MAHE researchers lead groundbreaking study in India on Parkinson’s disease & gut microbiome link

New Delhi: A study conducted by the Microbiome working group at the Enteric Diseases Division, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), has placed India on the global map in Parkinson’s disease research. This landmark research explores the connection between the gut microbiome and Parkinson’s disease, a critical step in understanding this neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the elderly.

Parkinson’s disease, characterized by symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, and impaired balance, is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Currently, there is no cure, with treatments focusing on alleviating symptoms and improving life quality.

Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of gut dysbiosis in the development and progression of Parkinson’s disease, making this research by MAHE even more crucial.

The team, led by Dr. Mamatha Ballal and comprising Dr. Sujith Pavan, Dr. Sankar Prasad Gorthi, Dr. Arvind Prabhu, Dr. Bhabatosh Das, Dr. Ankur Mutreja, Dr. Vignesh Shetty, Dr. Ramamurthy, and Dr. Karthick Vasudevan, has made a significant contribution by investigating the intestinal microbial profile of Indian individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Their findings reveal that patients with Parkinson’s disease have a distinctly different gut bacterial profile compared to healthy individuals, providing new insights into the disease’s development and progression.

This research is not only a milestone for Indian science but also adds valuable knowledge to the international Parkinson’s research community. The findings underscore the potential of gut microbiome research in enabling better diagnosis and treatment strategies for Parkinson’s disease.

The efforts of the MAHE team in bridging the gap between gut microbiota and neurodegenerative diseases open new avenues in medical research and offer hope for millions affected by Parkinson’s disease, both in India and globally.