Parkinson’s may be linked to fewer gut bacteria producing B vitamins

The researchers used fecal analysis to investigate the genomes of gut bacteria in 94 people with Parkinson’s disease and 73 controls in Japan. Using shotgun sequencing — a technique that analyses all the genetic material in a sample — they recorded bacterial genomes. They then compared their results with data from studies in the USA, Germany, China, and Taiwan.

They found differences in the gut microbiota by country and between people with Parkinson’s disease and those without.

Regardless of the species of bacteria in the gut microbiota, people with Parkinson’s disease had markedly decreased bacterial genes for biosynthesis of the B vitamins riboflavin and biotin.

Both riboflavin (B2) and biotin (B7) are essential for metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into glucose for energy, enhance the functioning of the immune system, and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Neuroinflammation is a key feature of Parkinson’s disease, and the researchers suggest that a lack of riboflavin and biotin could contribute to neuroinflammation. However, Tim Sampson, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, who was not involved in the study, cautioned:

“I think it is important to point out that this study did not measure biotin or riboflavin in stool or circulation. Simply, the authors found that the bacterial genes responsible for the synthesis of these molecules were decreased.”

“So, it isn’t known from this study whether there is a deficiency that is associated with these microbiomes that have less predicted synthesis,” he added.

The researchers found that a reduction in the genes for B2 and B7 was strongly linked to a decrease in fecal short-chain fatty acids and polyamines in Parkinson’s disease. Both substances are involved in the production of the mucus layer of the intestine.

If the intestine’s mucus barrier is decreased, the intestine becomes more permeable, allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream. The researchers suggest that this could increase neuroinflammation.

Sampson explained how these changes might contribute to Parkinson’s disease symptoms:

“We have a growing appreciation that people with [Parkinson’s] have increased inflammation, and some of this may be contributed to by the intestinal environment. While these vitamins are associated with beneficial immune responses, we do not know if their absence is contributing to inflammation in [Parkinson’s].”

“Similarly for the polyamines. There are some data that support an idea that the intestine is more permeable during [Parkinson’s]. This could cause bacterial products to be released into circulation and stimulate immune responses and inflammation, which may contribute to aspects of the disease,” he told MNT.

“The authors of this study postulate on the role of increased intestinal permeability and the potential effects of pesticides, herbicides, and other toxins important to Parkinson’s, however there remain many more questions than answers in this area of research.”
— Michael Okun

This study highlights the relationship between the gut microbiome, metabolism, and the nervous system, but the findings are not sufficient to suggest changes in clinical practice, such as B2 and B7 supplements, as Sampson pointed out.

“I think these data are much too premature to warrant therapeutic interventions. They highlight one of the many ways that the gut microbiome might be contributing to [Parkinson’s].”

“But these are metabolic predictions from the genes encoded by the microbiome. They [the researchers] did not measure that the microbiomes are directly involved in these processes or that they affect the levels of these metabolites themselves,” he added.

Okun told MNT that vitamin supplementation can be useful during treatment for Parkinson’s disease, but that supplements should be taken only on medical advice:

“The most common treatment for Parkinson’s disease is levodopa and we know that levodopa leads to increases in circulating homocysteine levels. This is why many experts recommend taking a single multivitamin a day because if you are on levodopa you likely need to replace vitamins B12, B6 and folic acid.”

“Replacing vitamins can also lead to unintended adverse effects so this should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional. There is no specific current recommendations for replacement vitamins B2 and B7 in Parkinson’s disease,” he added.

However, Sampson welcomed that the research as adding to evidence of the role of the microbiome in Parkinson’s disease:

“These data do provide some testable hypotheses and add to the growing knowledge that the gut microbiome can contribute to aspects of PD.”