Helicobacter pylori has long been recognized as one of the culprits that leads to ulcers in humans. Now, microbiologists from LSU reported at the annual ASM (American Society for Microbiology) meeting that they are probably involved in the development of Parkinson’s disease, as well. It should be noted that the population density of H. pylori studied was fairly high; higher than has been found in patients suffering from ulcers. The study also used killed H. pylori administered to the mice, which still caused locomotor defects, a symptom of Parkinson’s.
Drs. Testerman (lead author), Salvatore, Spann, Mcgee, and Senkovich, presented their poster paper (#136), Helicobacter pylori Infection Induces Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms in Aged Mice. This described their studies using “middle-aged” mice (the equivalent of 55-65 y old humans), as well as young mice. However, the young mice never developed Parkinson’s like symptoms (reduced movement, decreased levels of dopamine). Dr. Traci Testerman attributed this behavior to the fact that aging increases susceptibility to potential brain alterations. (This hypothesis was the prevailing one in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s.)
It was presumed that H. pylori produce chemicals that are toxic to the brain. One of the reactions in this process is the addition of a sugar group to cholesterol. (Cholesterol is more likely to accumulate in the body as we age, as well.) This altered compound is one that has been observed to trigger Parkinson’s-like symptoms among Guam residents, who ingest cycad plant seeds.
The brains’ neurons are killed by the toxins. As such, the eradication of H. pylori populations in the body of aged humans may be too late a process to reverse the symptoms; neurons are not know to “regrow”. However, the presence of H. pylori seems to preclude levodopa (L-dopa) from being absorbed; L-dopa is one of the treatments used to alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms.
Other articles about Parkinson are found here: 1 June 2010 (my first post), 8 July 2010, 26 July 2010, 17 August 2010, 8 October 2010, 10 March 2011, 17 March 2011
Wow. It’s amazing the things they’re discovering with ongoing research.
Michelle Shaeffer recently posted..Awesome Plugins You Might Not Know About Yet
Yes, Michelle- the shin bone is connected to the thigh bone…
And, the more we learn about metabolism and genes, the more we will see such relationships.
Thanks for visiting AND commenting.
Roy
The links between one thing and another are constantly amazing. I think what is astounding is how the potentials can change both internally and externally
Roberta, what blew me away is that someone realized the connection. It’s related to the metabolism, not the actual microbe itself.
Thanks for dropping in and commenting.
Roy