Multi-Targeted Prebiotics Modulate Gut Microbiome and Improve Intestinal Barrier Function in Parkinson's Disease: Proof-of-Concept Study

An abnormal proinflammatory intestinal microbiome promotes intestinal barrier dysfunction systemic and neuroinflammation which collectively may influence Parkinsons disease PD pathogenesis and clinical progression. Using a combination of ex vivo and clinical evaluations we determined if a multitargeted prebiotic fiber mixture could modify the intestinal microbiome improve the intestinal barrier blunt neuroinflammation and influence disease severity in PD patients. An open label nonrandomized study in de novo and treated PD participants was conducted. After ten days of daily consumption of a prebiotic fiber mixture GI and PD motor symptoms improved putative proinflammatory bacteria were decreased in feces Proteobacteria and Escherichia coli while relative abundance short chain fatty acid SCFA producing bacteria was increased including species Faecalibacterium prausnitizii. Blood sample assessments showed increased total SCFA metabolites improved intestinal barrier integrity reduced levels of a peripheral marker of neurodegeneration and reduced intestinal inflammation. This proof of concept study showed that prebiotics altered the microbiome in PD are safe and offers scientific rationale for further prebiotic therapeutic investigations in PD.