Parkinson’s may originate in the gut, says new study

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Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 27 June 2019

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Researcher using microscope in laboratory

A new study, published in medical journal ‘Neuron’, has found evidence to suggest that Parkinson’s may originate in the gut.

As part of the study, researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, US, injected abnormally folded alpha-synuclein – a protein closely connected to the development of Parkinson’s – into the gut of over 100 mice.

After one month the misfolded protein had spread to areas of the brain, with researchers saying the animals’ symptoms closely mirrored the condition in humans.

The results follow on from a study in Sweden in 2017, when a team of researchers at the Karolinska Institutet found similar results.

Ted Dawson, professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins University and co-author of the research said: “It supports and really provides the first experimental evidence that Parkinson’s disease can start in the gut and go up the vagus nerve.”

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For more information on the latest Parkinson’s research please visit the EPDA website.

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Parkinson’s may originate in the gut, says new study

News

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 27 June 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Leading campaigners pay tribute to pioneering Parkinson’s nurse

Global update

Michael J Fox inspires Parkinson’s community with Oscars appearance

Europe

Farming friendships: in good company with Parkinson’s

Regular exercise may slow progression of early Parkinson’s disease symptoms

Could traumatic brain injury accelerate the onset of Parkinson’s disease?

NASA astronaut who lived with Parkinson’s disease has died

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Parkinson’s may originate in the gut, says new study

News

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 27 June 2019

Last Month

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Share this story

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Perspectives

Leading campaigners pay tribute to pioneering Parkinson’s nurse

Global update

Michael J Fox inspires Parkinson’s community with Oscars appearance

Europe

Farming friendships: in good company with Parkinson’s

Regular exercise may slow progression of early Parkinson’s disease symptoms

Could traumatic brain injury accelerate the onset of Parkinson’s disease?

NASA astronaut who lived with Parkinson’s disease has died

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