Information

Press Release

Kyung Hee University–Gachon University–AGEs Research Association Present New Theory on Cause of Parkinson’s Disease
2025.05.16 10:05
  • 작성자 관리자
  • 조회 91
Kyung Hee University–Gachon University–AGEs Research Association Present New Theory on Cause of Parkinson’s Disease
Link Between Gut Microbiota and Glucose Metabolism Disorders Identified

September 12, 2024, 10:00 AM | Reporter: Yi-seul Kim (yi_seul0717@kpanews.co.kr)

A new theory regarding the cause of Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the destruction of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain, has recently been proposed, drawing significant attention.
Research teams led by Professor Myung-Sook Oh of Kyung Hee University and Professor Yoo-Jin Heo of Gachon University, along with MetaCen Therapeutics and the AGEs Research Association (led by Chairman Myung-Gyu Park), have revealed that Parkinson’s disease may be caused by abnormalities in gut microbiota and glucose metabolism. This discovery offers new possibilities for diagnosis and the development of novel treatment strategies for the disease.
The researchers identified that a bacterial strain called Proteus mirabilis (PM) can damage dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra of mice, leading to Parkinson’s disease-like symptoms. They further demonstrated that the neurodegenerative effects of the PM strain are closely linked to one of its toxic components, Hemolysin A.
Hemolysin A was shown to interact with alpha-synuclein (α-synuclein), a key pathological marker of Parkinson’s disease, by creating pores in intestinal cell membranes and accelerating α-synuclein aggregation. These mechanisms were found to ultimately induce neurological degeneration in the brain.
Based on this, the research team compared pathological progression and metabolic changes in mice with PM-induced Parkinson’s disease to those in normal mice. The PM group exhibited distinct and significant differences in glucose and lipid metabolism.
Notably, the study found that disruptions in glucose metabolism play a critical role in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. This process may be explained by the gut-brain crosstalk, highlighting the importance of interactions between gut microbiota and the brain.
Furthermore, Proteus mirabilis is known as a major gut bacterium that produces advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Considering that fructose is a primary sugar component that contributes to AGE formation, the researchers emphasized that reducing excessive sugar intake and thereby suppressing AGE production may not only help prevent metabolic diseases but also reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.
The findings of this study were published in leading SCI-indexed international journals EBioMedicine and Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience.
These research results suggest that pathological progression of Parkinson’s disease involves metabolic alterations. Such changes may be used to identify neurodegenerative pathology and could eventually serve as biomarkers for diagnosing Parkinson’s disease in the future.
A representative from the AGEs Research Association, who participated in the study, introduced a related product called “AGEs-Probiotic PLW,” designed based on this research. The representative emphasized that, as demonstrated in the study, the product may help prevent metabolic diseases and lower the risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. It is expected to serve as an important foundation for health management.
AGEs-Probiotic PLW is available for purchase at pharmacies affiliated with the AGEs Research Association. Consumers are expected to benefit from the product as part of a healthier lifestyle.

Reporter: Yi Seul Kim, yi_seul0717@kpanews.co.kr
Source: [Korea Pharmaceutical Association] (https://www..kpanews.co.kr)