The impact of pesticides and the gut microbiome on Parkinson's disease
Microbiome, Environment, and Parkinsons disease (MEP) PESTICIDE EXPOSURES AND THE GUT MICROBIOME IN PARKINSONS DISEASE
This study is looking at how long-term exposure to pesticides might change the bacteria in our gut and how that could affect people with Parkinson's disease, helping us understand more about how these factors might impact brain health and behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10874786 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how chronic exposure to environmental toxins, particularly pesticides, affects the gut microbiome and its potential role in the progression of Parkinson's disease. By analyzing the relationship between the microbiome and neurodegeneration, the study aims to uncover how these factors may influence neurological function and behavior. The research utilizes a geographic information system (GIS) model to assess long-term pesticide exposure in individuals, providing a comprehensive approach to understanding these interactions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who have a history of exposure to pesticides or other environmental toxins.
Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or those who have not been exposed to relevant environmental toxins may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the prevention and management of Parkinson's disease by targeting the gut microbiome.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of the microbiome in various diseases is gaining attention, this specific investigation into the impact of pesticides on the microbiome in Parkinson's disease is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ritz, Beate R. — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Ritz, Beate R.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.