According to a new study by American scientists, Parkinson's disease could come from the depths of the digestive system.
Research, published in the journal of Science Translational Medicine revealed that those who had been removed from the appendix were less likely to develop this neurodegenerative disease.
The appendix, an organ whose utility is still in doubt, has also been shown to be a reservoir of the substance that kills brain cells.
According to the non-profit research and support organization Parkinson UK, this discovery represents the strongest evidence that can prove that the origin of the disease can be located outside the brain.
Link [19659006] In Parkinson's disease, toxic proteins accumulate in the brain and destroy nerves, particularly those linked to movement.
Parkinson's disease is incurable. In addition to affecting the movement, it affects the senses, memory and mood
Although it may seem counterintuitive, it is becoming increasingly obvious that the digestive system has a connection with disease.
Researchers at the Van Andel Research Institute, Michigan, USA, badyzed information from 1.7 million people over half a century.
The badysis revealed that the risk of disease development Parkinson's disease was 20% lower in people whose appendix had been removed.
Toxic Protein
The appendix is a small pocket located at the entrance to the large intestine. It is probably the most well known vestigial organ (which has no use) of the human body.
An badysis of the content of the appendix shows that it contains the same toxic protein – called alpha synuclein – found in brains of patients with [Parkinson]
The appendix is obviously not the only factor that comes into play in this disease. In this case, removing it would solve the problem.
But researchers say the digestive system is a fertile soil for this protein, which then crosses the vagus nerve to get to the brain.
] Digestive Problems
Viviane Labrie, one of the researchers who took part in the study, pointed out that she did not recommend having this organ removed.
"We do not promote appendectomy as a means of protection against Parkinson's disease."
People whose appendix has been removed are less likely to develop the disease.
"It would be much more judicious to control or reduce the excessive formation of alpha synuclein in order to reduce its excess or to prevent, potentially, escaping."
The role of the digestive system in development Parkinson's disease is attracting increasing interest.
The report of patients usually digestive problems. The vagus nerve cutoff is linked to less severe Parkinson's disease, and animal studies indicate that bacteria that live in the digestive system are essential.
Differences
"This research is really important because it is one of the most convincing proofs Claire Parkinson, UK
" Understanding where and how Parkinson's disease was born until the time Parkinson's disease can appear on the outside of the brain. It is a revolutionary idea that is beginning to emerge in the scientific world. "It will be absolutely crucial to develop treatments that can potentially stop and potentially prevent it."
L & # 39; study showed that almost all people studied had an alpha-synuclein protein in their appendix.
. They also found some differences in the protein structure. in good health and suffering from Parkinson's disease.
However, research into the origin of Parkinson's disease still can not answer why the disease appears in some people and not in others.
Parkinson's disease is incurable. In addition to affecting the movement, it affects the senses, memory and mood 
People whose appendix has been removed are less likely to develop the disease. 