Polymannuronic acid prevented dopaminergic neuronal loss via brain-gut-microbiota axis in Parkinson's disease model

PD model mice were pretreated with PM via oral gavage one time per day for 4 weeks and the preventative effects of Polymannuronic acid (PM) against neuronal loss together with its modulation on the brain-gut-microbiota axis were systematically explored. PM administration improved motor functions by preventing dopaminergic neuronal loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and enhanced contents of several neurotransmitters in the striatum of PD mice. Mechanism results showed PM reshaped gut microbiota in a positive way against PD neurodegeneration and increased the production of fecal SCFAs in the colon of PD mice. PM treatment-induced transcripts benefiting neuroprotection but suppressed transcripts aggravating neurodegeneration in the colon of PD mice. In particular, PM alleviated intestinal and systematic inflammation in PD.