India ranks globally in Parkinson’s disease research, according to a study by the Microbiome working group at MAHE’s Enteric Diseases Division. This study delves into the link between the gut microbiome and Parkinson’s disease, a crucial aspect of understanding this neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting 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.
A team led by Dr. Mamatha Ballal, including 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 discovered that Indian individuals with Parkinson’s disease have a distinct gut bacterial profile compared to healthy individuals, offering new insights into the disease’s development and progression.The MAHE team’s research on gut microbiome and Parkinson’s disease is a significant milestone in Indian science and international Parkinson’s research, highlighting the potential for improved diagnosis and treatment strategies.