Hum Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 The bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers have been linked to Parkinson's disease, according to researchers in the US. Mice infected with Helicobacter pylori went onto develop Parkinson's like symptoms. The study, presented at a meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, argues that infection could play "a significant role". The charity Parkinson's UK said the results should be treated with caution. Parkinson's disease affects the brain and results in slow movements and a tremor. Middle-aged mice, the equivalent of being between 55 and 65 in humans, were infected. Six months later they showed symptoms related to Parkinson's, such as reduced movement and decreased levels of a chemical, dopamine, in the brain. These changes were not noticed in younger mice. Dr Traci Testerman, from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, said: "Our findings suggest that H. pylori infection could play a significant role in the development of Parkinson's disease in humans. "The results were far more dramatic in aged mice than in young mice, demonstrating that normal ageing increases susceptibility to Parkinsonian changes in mice, as is seen in humans." The researchers believe the bacteria are producing chemicals which are toxic to the brain. They said H. pylori was able to "steal" cholesterol from the body and process it by adding a sugar group. more Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
officerbrother Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 They're probably just trying to get funding... it's how the NSF, NIH, etc. grants work. You present something that would "cure" or "link" something treatable to a terrible disease and they chuck the money at you. At least, that's my view after 5 years in the biochemistry industry. Helicobacter pylori is known to cause gastric ulcers... their explanation as to how this plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's.... well, it seems like a stretch to me, but I'm just a grad student, so who knows?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Growled Member Posted May 23, 2011 Member Share Posted May 23, 2011 These changes were not noticed in younger mice. So even if the bacteria does cause the symptoms, why does it not affect the young like the old? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spacer Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Whether this bacteria is a direct or indirect cause of Parkinson's, it will still (hopefully) lead researchers down a new avenue of thinking about how Parkinson's develops. This means they might eventually find a cure/preventative measure for it too. Awesome news! (Y) (Y) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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