Gut Bacteria Compound Could Slow Alzheimer’s Disease Progression

Recent research from Northwestern University highlights the potential of a gut-produced compound to mitigate some effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s, the leading cause of dementia affecting over 6 million Americans, is expected to see a sharp increase as the population ages. While the connection between gut microbiota and Alzheimer’s pathology has long been suspected, the specific mechanisms remained unclear.

In a groundbreaking study, scientists administered antibiotics to mice engineered to develop Alzheimer’s, observing changes in their gut microbiome. The treatment increased levels of a short-chain fatty acid called propionate, produced by certain bacteria in the gut. Propionate is known to play a significant role in controlling brain inflammation and amyloid plaque formation—both hallmark features of Alzheimer’s.

Further experiments involved adding propionate directly to the mice’s water supply. The results showed reduced markers of neuroinflammation, decreased amyloid plaques, and lower levels of IL-17, a cytokine involved in immune response. Notably, these effects were predominantly observed in male mice, indicating possible sex-related differences.

The research suggests that boosting propionate levels through diet, probiotics, or medication might slow Alzheimer’s progression. Vassar and his team are now exploring how female hormones influence the gut microbiome’s response to such treatments. They also aim to uncover the detailed mechanisms by which propionate reduces inflammation and plaque buildup.

This discovery opens promising therapeutic avenues, where manipulating gut bacteria could become part of Alzheimer’s treatment strategies, potentially delaying or reducing the severity of symptoms. The findings emphasize the importance of the gut microbiome in neurodegenerative disease management and warrant further clinical research.

For more detailed information, visit the original study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation: [DOI: 10.1172/JCI180826].

Source: MedicalXpress.