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The links between Parkinson's disease and the gastrointestinal tract are known. But now, a group of scientists has discovered the link with the appendix that adds new clues to research on the origin of this disorder.
People who removed the appendix from youth had between 19% and 25% less risk of developing Parkinson's disease in adulthood, according to a study published today in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
"Our results show that the appendix is a site of Parkinson's disease origin and a means to conceive new treatment strategies that take advantage of the role of the gastrointestinal tract in the development of the disease, "he said. Viviane Labrie, principal author of the Van Andel Research Institute, Michigan (United States).
Why? A look at the tissues of a suppressed appendix shows that this tiny organ, often considered useless, appears as an abnormal protein reservoir (abnormally folded alpha-synuclein) which, if it reaches the brain, becomes a central feature of Parkinson's disease
The big surprise, according to the results of the work, is that many people might have concentrations of this worrying protein in their appendages: young and younger, people with good brain Parkinson.
But do not rush to go to the surgeon.
"We are not saying that one must undergo an appendectomy," said the neuroscientist and geneticist who led the team of researchers that badyzed data from two epidemiological studies. On a large scale, one on 1.6 million people and the other on 91 million.
After all, many organ-free people eventually develop Parkinson's disease and According to the article,
Risk reduction only became evident when the appendix and the # The alpha-synuclein that it contained was eliminated at an early stage of life, years before the onset of the disease. disease, suggesting that the body might participate in its onset. Its elimination after the beginning of the disease process, however, had no effect on its progression.
In a general population, people who had an appendectomy They had a 19% lower probability of developing Parkinson's disease, which was amplified in people living in rural areas, with a 25% reduction in the risk of suffering from the disease. On the other hand, the interventions had no apparent advantage in people whose disease was linked to genetic mutations transmitted by their families, this group representing less than 10% of cases.
Community Efforts Scientists are trying to understand the origin of this disorder so that it can be treated quickly, as patients are now traveling to the office when motor symptoms appear, such as tremors or stiffness, a sign that the disease is already advanced.
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Doctors and patients have long known that there is a link between the gastrointestinal tract and Parkinson's disease. Constipation and other tract problems are common in people who are beginning to experience tremors and other movement problems that lead to the diagnosis of the disease.
The recent study will spur new research to try to find new clues. determine why and who are really at risk.
"It's a piece of the puzzle, a fundamental clue" said Dr. Allison Willis, a Parkinson's specialist in the University of Pennsylvania who does not have a doctor. did not participate in new studies but indicates that his patients routinely ask questions about gastrointestinal connections
Senior Parkinson's Disease Foundation Chief Scientist, James Beck, who was not part of the studies, "Relationships are numerous and promising" .
He noted that despite its reputation, the appendix plays a role in immunity that could affect inflammations. The type of bacteria that lives in the appendix could also affect Parkinson's disease.
(Source: AP / LAURAN NEERGAARD-EFE)
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