Ten groups of bacteria present in the intestinal microbiota are thought to be linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
- Our intestinal microbiota contains several hundred different species of bacteria.
- Some would increase the risk of suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, while others would decrease it.
- Researchers hope to be able to develop appropriate treatment to reduce this risk.
Our intestinal flora can contain up to a thousand different species of bacteria. For many years, scientists have demonstrated that this microbiota is involved in many functions, such as digestion or immune defences. According to a new study, its composition could also be linked to the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This is what the authors explain in the specialized journal Nature, Scientific Reports.
Alzheimer’s disease: bacteria can increase the risk of suffering from it
This study is a meta-analysis, this means that the researchers analyzed a set of ten works carried out on the subject to compare the results. In their findings, they demonstrate that there is a significant correlation between 10 specific types of gut bacteria and the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease. “Six categories of bacteria – Adlercreutzia, Eubacterium nodatum group, Eisenbergiella, Eubacterium fissicatena group, Gordonibacter and Prevotella9 – have been identified as protective, and four types of bacteria – Collinsella, Bacteroides, Lachnospira and Veillonella – have been identified as risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease”, they note in a press release. Researchers from the University of Nevada explain that certain intestinal bacteria can secrete acids and toxins that pass through the intestinal lining and which can interact with APOE, a gene identified as a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimers. This interaction triggers a neuro-inflammatory response, which can promote the development of this neurodegenerative disease.
Microbiota and Alzheimer’s disease: future treatments linked to intestinal bacteria?
“Most of the microorganisms in our intestines are considered good bacteria with health benefits, but an imbalance of these bacteria can be toxic to a person’s immune system and linked to various illnesses, such as depression, heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease”, recalls one of the study’s authors, Jingchun Chen. He points out that further research will be needed to understand the influence of each of these bacteria, both for the protective effect and for the increase in risk. “With more research, it may be possible to identify a genetic trajectory that points to a gut microbiome that is more or less prone to promote diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.“, adds the lead author of the Davis Cammann study. The hope of American scientists is to one day be able to develop appropriate treatments to act on the intestinal microbiota and on the risk of developing certain pathologies. “But it must be remembered that the gut microbiota is influenced by many factors, including lifestyle and diet.“, raises Davis Cammann.
