Van Andel Research Institute

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Van Andel Research Institute

·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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Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·February 2, 2021·5 min read

Bile Acids May Play Previously Unknown Role in Parkinson’s

Researchers found significant differences in samples from the appendix of people with Parkinson's disease, specifically in microbial composition correlating with higher levels of toxic bile acids.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 14, 2020·4 min read

Being “right-brained” or “left-brained” comes down to molecular switches

Epigenetic regulation controls whether certain genes on each side of the brain are switched on or off. The findings shed light on why Parkinson's disease often affects one side of the body before the other.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·February 4, 2020·5 min read

Dietary interventions may slow onset of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders

Reducing dietary levels of methionine can slow the onset and progression of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, in those with high-risk factors.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 21, 2019·4 min read

Severe pregnancy-related depression may be rooted in inflammation

Inflammatory factors appear to contribute to pregnancy-related depression onset and severity. Researchers found elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-8 and reduced levels of IL-2 in blood samples taken from blood samples of pregnant women who reported symptoms of depression. Additionally, they found serotonin was drastically reduced.

this is a woman holding her head while other hands are covering her face

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 3, 2019·5 min read

Hotspot in the genome may drive psychosis in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

A cluster of epigenetic marks in an enhancer at IGF2 could enhance dopamine synthesis associated with psychosis in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The findings may help in devising more effective treatments and screening strategies for both disorders.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·October 31, 2018·5 min read

Appendix Removal May Lower Parkinson’s Risk

Researchers report those who have had appendectomies have a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease. A new study reveals the appendix acts as a reservoir for proteins associated with the neurodegenerative disease.