Archive · 24 Sep 2025
Study: Oral Bacteria in Gut Linked to Parkinson's Risk
Scientists discovered a possible link between bacteria in the mouth and Parkinson's disease.
The study found that Streptococcus mutans, found in the mouth, can affect the gut.
This bacteria produces a substance called ImP, which can reach the brain.
In the brain, ImP might damage cells involved in movement, possibly leading to Parkinson's symptoms.
They tested this with mice and observed Parkinson's symptoms.
Mice treated with a specific medicine saw a reduction in symptoms.
This finding suggests that it could be possible to treat the disease by targeting these bacteria.
Oral bacteria may trigger Parkinson's disease.
Researchers identified Streptococcus mutans as a key bacterium.
S. mutans produces UrdA and its metabolite, ImP.
ImP may enter circulation, reaching the brain.
Treating mice with an mTORC1 inhibitor reduced Parkinson's symptoms.
- Who
- Researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology
- What
- Mechanism by which oral bacteria may trigger Parkinson's disease
- When
- Findings published in Nature Communications
- Where
- Study conducted in South Korea
- Why
- To understand how oral microbes influence the brain and Parkinson's disease.
- Key Finding
- Oral bacteria in the gut may trigger Parkinson's disease
- Bacteria Involved
- Streptococcus mutans
- Bacterial Enzyme
- Urocanate reductase (UrdA)
- Metabolite
- Imidazole propionate (ImP)
- mTORC1
- Signaling protein complex
- Treatment
- mTORC1 inhibitor
