EXPLORING THE MICROBIOTA-INTESTINE-BRAIN AXIS IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND THE POTENTIAL OF FECAL MICROBIOTA TRANSPLANTATION (FMT) THERAPY

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.159552515015

• Palavras-chave: Parkinson's Disease, Intestinal Microbiota, Fecal Microbiota Transplant.

• Keywords: Parkinson's Disease, Intestinal Microbiota, Fecal Microbiota Transplant.

• Abstract:

  Objective: To evaluate the relationship between the gut microbiota and the progression of Parkinson's Disease, focusing on the potential improvements provided by TMF, as well as discussing the applicability of this approach as a therapeutic intervention for PD patients. Methodology: Narrative bibliographic review, developed according to the criteria of the PVO strategy. The searches were carried out in the PubMed database. The search terms included "Parkinson's disease", "Fecal microbiota transplant" and their combinations. A total of 17 articles published between 2019 and 2024 were selected for detailed analysis. Discussion: In PD, BMT can reduce the activation of microglia and astrocytes, as well as decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, preserving dopaminergic neurons and improving motor deficits. In addition, TMF also interferes with pathological mechanisms, such as the aggregation of α-synuclein (αSyn), potentially interrupting the action of endotoxin-producing gram-negative bacteria. This modulation, in turn, reduces the production of bacterial enzymes that degrade levodopa, increasing its bioavailability and efficacy. Therefore, this interaction reinforces the potential of TMF as an adjunct in the management of PD. Final considerations: Beneficial changes in the microbiota include an increase in anti-inflammatory taxa, such as Faecalibacterium and Bifidobacterium, and a reduction in pathogens, such as Escherichia-Shigella , resulting in improvements in motor and non-motor symptoms, such as constipation and depression. Despite the advances provided by TMF, future studies should include rigorously controlled clinical trials, with randomization and standardization, to validate its efficacy and safety, as well as elucidating the mechanisms of interaction between bacterial metabolites and neuroinflammation.