In their study, published in the journal PLoS One on September 14, the researchers identified the same abnormalities in patient neurons and digestive neurons. In addition, the severity of lesions seen in the digestive tract has been correlated with the severity of the disease.
While the study of the central nervous system is only possible after the death of people with Parkinson’s disease, the researchers were interested in colon biopsies taken by 39 patients, including 29 affected by the pathology.
Results, scientists have found many abnormalities in central nervous system neurons identical to those seen in digestive neurons. The researchers were also able to establish a link between the extent of the lesions observed and the severity of Parkinson’s disease.
“The progress of the disease could thus be determined from the analysis of simple colon biopsies performed in hospital during colonoscopies or rectosigmoidoscopies. If our results are confirmed on a large scale, it would be possible to make a diagnosis of the severity of Parkinson’s disease during the patient’s lifetime and to adjust the treatment and management “, explains Pascal Derkinderen, lead author of the study.
