bacteria enhance alpha-synuclein aggregation in a model of Parkinson's disease.

Introduction: The aggregation of the neuronal protein alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn) is a key feature in the pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD). Alpha-syn aggregation has been suggested to be induced in the gut cells by pathogenic gut microbes such as bacteria, which has been shown to be associated with PD. This study aimed to investigate whether bacteria induce alpha-syn aggregation.

Hydrogen Sulfide Produced by Gut Bacteria May Induce Parkinson's Disease.

Several bacterial species can generate hydrogen sulfide (HS). Study evidence favors the view that the microbiome of the colon harbors increased amounts of HS producing bacteria in Parkinson's disease. Additionally, HS can easily penetrate cell membranes and enter the cell interior.

Bacteria Are Associated With Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most prevalent movement disorder known and predominantly affects the elderly. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease wherein α-synuclein, a neuronal protein, aggregates to form toxic structures in nerve cells. The cause of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unknown.

Magnetic Nanoparticles in Human Cervical Skin.

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, magnetite/maghemite, have been identified in human tissues, including the brain, meninges, heart, liver, and spleen. As these nanoparticles may play a role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, a pilot study explored the occurrence of these particles in the cervical (neck) skin of 10 patients with Parkinson's disease and 10 healthy controls. Magnetometry and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed magnetite/maghemite nanoparticles in the skin samples of every study participant.