The role of intestinal barrier function in patients with Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is currently the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the world, primarily affecting older individuals with degeneration of the motor-controlling nerve components in the brain. Most patients with PD also suffer from gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and inadequate bowel movements, sometimes for years before PD is diagnosed.

There are few studies on PD regarding potential disruptions in the communication between the gut and brain (the gut-brain axis), but it appears that both the immune cells and nerve cells in the gut may play an important role in the disease's development.

We aim to study whether increased intestinal permeability (reduced barrier function), sometimes referred to as leaky gut, could play an important role for the heightened immune activation and the characteristic gastrointestinal symptoms seen in PD patients.

Contact person: John-Peter Ganda Mall
Email: john-peter.ganda-mall@oru.se
Phone: 0707751383

Type of work: Laboratory, Data transcription
Tools/Methods: Ussing Chambers
Research areas: Parkinson's disease
Geographical area: Campus-based