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Fig. 9 | Gut Pathogens

Fig. 9

From: Effect of probiotic supplementation on gastrointestinal motility, inflammation, motor, non-motor symptoms and mental health in Parkinson’s disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Fig. 9

An overview of gut dysbiosis and the effects of probiotics in Parkinson’s disease. “Gut dysbiosis” decreases the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and increases the levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In addition, it impairs intestinal epithelial barrier integrity (“leaky gut”) and triggers an inflammatory response, leading to the crossing of metabolites, chemokines, and cytokines through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream as well as through the blood–brain barrier. This inflammatory pathway also triggers misfolding of α-synuclein into enteric glial cells via the vagus nerve and into the brain. Probiotics alter the composition of microorganisms to increase SCFA levels, decrease LPS levels to reduce inflammation, and strengthen the intestinal barrier to prevent microbial migration. This figure was created using Medical Illustration & Design

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Gut Pathogens

ISSN: 1757-4749