Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Fecal Microbiota Transplantation as a Disease-Modifying Therapy for Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

The microbiome-gut-brain axis represents a bidirectional communication network that fundamentally influences neurological health and disease pathogenesis. Emerging evidence demonstrates that dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Parkinson's disease. This comprehensive review examines the mechanistic underpinnings of gut-brain axis dysfunction in neurodegeneration, focusing on microbial metabolite production, intestinal barrier integrity, immune modulation, and alpha-synuclein pathology. Furthermore, we critically evaluate fecal microbiota transplantation as an innovative disease-modifying therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease, analyzing current clinical evidence, safety profiles, and future translational potential. Understanding these complex interactions offers unprecedented opportunities for developing targeted interventions that address the fundamental pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases rather than merely alleviating symptoms.