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 being around pesticides might change the bacteria in the gut and how that could affect people with Parkinson's disease, especially in relation to their stomach issues.
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-11170083 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how environmental factors, particularly pesticide exposure, affect the gut microbiome and its potential role in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). By examining the relationship between chronic exposure to pesticides and changes in the gut microbiome, the study aims to understand how these factors may contribute to neurodegeneration in PD patients. The research utilizes a geographic information system (GIS) model to assess long-term pesticide exposure in individuals, linking it to gastrointestinal symptoms commonly experienced by those with PD.
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 pesticide exposure.
Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or those who have not been exposed to pesticides 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 environmental factors and gut health.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of the gut microbiome in various diseases is gaining attention, this specific investigation into the impact of pesticides on the microbiome in relation to 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.