The importance of gut health to the human body goes far beyond digestion. Researchers at the University Medical Center Magdeburg have discovered that the intestinal microbiome can have a decisive influence on the development of chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s. This article presents the latest findings from the research group “Translational Neuroimmunology and Neurodegeneration” led by Prof. Dr. med. Aiden Haghikia described in more detail.
The research work in detail:
The research group “Translational Neuroimmunology and Neurodegeneration” at the University Clinic for Neurology in Magdeburg under the leadership of Prof. Dr. med. Aiden Haghikia is dedicated to researching the influence of the intestinal microbiome on the development of chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases of the nervous system. The gut microbiome, which consists of a variety of bacteria, has been shown to be an important modulator of the immune system, influencing not only digestion but also brain function.
The researchers use imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as biological and immunological analyzes to identify relevant signaling pathways and cells in patients. These analyzes are based on human material, including the isolation of peripheral immune cells from the blood of patients. Flow cytometry is often used to characterize various immune cells in blood, cell cultures and tissue samples.
A significant result of this research is the discovery of a deficiency in the short-chain fatty acid propionic acid in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Propionic acid, considered an important component of the Western diet, plays a role in the creation and proliferation of inflammatory or regulatory immune cells in the intestinal wall. The addition of propionic acid as a nutritional supplement to immunotherapy showed positive effects on regulatory T cells, which play an important role in the regulation of autoimmune inflammatory responses. This supplement led to a reduction in brain tissue loss and a stabilization of the disease progression in affected MS patients.
Summary of results:
- Gut microbiome influences nerve cells: The gut microbiome can have a decisive influence on the mechanisms that lead to the death of nerve cells in the brain, especially in chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases such as MS and Parkinson’s.
- Importance of diet and lifestyle: Factors such as genetics, environmental factors and individual lifestyle, including dietary habits, can increase the risk of these diseases.
- Propionic acid as a promising therapy: The study identified a deficiency in the short-chain fatty acid propionic acid in MS patients. The addition of propionic acid as a nutritional supplement to immunotherapy showed positive effects on regulatory T cells and reduced tissue loss in the brain.
- Interdisciplinary research: Studying the interaction between the gut and the brain is a complex challenge, but requires an interdisciplinary approach to develop innovative therapies for these diseases.
Research at the University Medical Center Magdeburg suggests that intestinal health can play a crucial role in the development of Parkinson’s and MS. The identification of propionic acid as a potential therapeutic option opens new avenues for the treatment of these neurodegenerative diseases. The findings of the study are currently being transferred to other neurological diseases and are being intensively researched. The research team’s interdisciplinary approach promises innovative solutions for the treatment and possibly even prevention of these serious diseases.
For further information please contact Prof. Dr. med. Aiden Haghikia, Tobias Hegelmaier and Alexander Duscha are available as scientific contacts. You can be contacted by email:
- Prof. Dr. med. Aiden Haghikia: [[email protected]" target="_new][email protected][/email]
- Tobias Hegelmaier: [[email protected]" target="_new][email protected][/email]
- Alexander Duscha: [[email protected]" target="_new][email protected][/email]
These research results offer hope and incentive for further investigations in the field of Parkinson’s and MS therapy and could open up new ways to improve the quality of life of patients in the future.