intestines

·June 10, 2021·6 min read

Understanding Gut Inflammation May Hold Clues to Mitigating Parkinson’s Onset

Chronic gut inflammation can trigger the clumping of alpha-synuclein in the walls of the colon, a new study reports. Researchers found chronic inflammation in the gut during early life can exacerbate the clumping of alpha-synuclein in the brains of older mice. The findings add to a growing body of evidence which links gut health to Parkinson's disease.

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·April 22, 2020·7 min read

Cells in lungs, nasal passage, and intestines more susceptible to COVID-19 infection

Researchers have identified specific cell types that appear to be the main targets of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Using existing data on the RNA found in different types of cells, researchers were able to identify cells that expressed ACE2 and TMPRSS2, two proteins that assist coronavirus to enter human cells. Cells in the lungs, nasal passage and intestines appear to be the main targets for SARS-CoV-2.

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·January 11, 2020·4 min read

How a gut infection may produce chronic symptoms

Infections in the intestine may contribute to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by damaging the gut's nervous system. Researchers explore why neurons in the gut die as a result of infection and how the immune system normally protects them. The findings could provide new avenues of treatment for IBS.

This shows a skeleton and a computer screen with a brain on it

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·December 4, 2019·3 min read

The gut may be involved in the development of multiple sclerosis

Increased levels of Smad7 in T-cells is linked to multiple sclerosis-like symptoms in mice. In the intestines, the T-cells were more frequently activated and migrated to the central nervous system, where they triggered inflammation. Similar activation was seen in human patients with multiple sclerosis. The findings provide further evidence that multiple sclerosis may start in the intestines and spread via the CNS.

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·September 3, 2019·4 min read

Parkinson’s disease may originate in the intestines

Two months after injecting alpha-synuclein into the intestines of rats, researchers discovered the proteins had traveled to the brain via peripheral nerves. Four months later, the pathology was greater. Additionally, the protein had traveled to the heart. The study supports the hypothesis that Parkinson's disease may begin in the intestinal system before migrating to the brain.

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·April 16, 2019·3 min read

Researchers discover crucial link between brain and gut stem cells

The insulin-like growth factor II gene plays a critical role in adult stem cell maintenance of both the intestine and the brain. Findings suggest IGF-2 is essential for multiple stem cell types, including those implicated in cognitive function and renewing the lining of the small intestine.

Featured Neurology

·December 8, 2017·4 min read

Traumatic Brain Injury Causes Intestinal Damage

Researchers have identified a link between traumatic brain injury and intestinal changes. A new study reports the intestinal changes may contribute to increased risk of developing infections and could worsen brain damage in TBI patients.