Targeting the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: Bacillus coagulans Protects Against Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease in Rats.

Gut microbiota and its derived metabolites affect brain physiology through several pathways. Dysfunction of gut-microbiota is involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Introduced the pleiotropic effect of probiotics (PBT) in the function of the central nervous system, can delay the disease progression through microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA). PD is characterized by aggregated alpha-synuclein (α-syn), oxidative stress and neuroinflammation leading to depletion of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain region. Our study designed to assess the neuroprotective effect of PBT Bacillus coagulans (B. coagulans) against rotenone (ROT) induced PD rats. To eliminate hormone-based errors associated with estrous cycle, we only used male rats in this experiment. ROT (50 mg/kg/day) caused perturbation of intestinal barrier leading to gut microbiome disturbances along with accumulation of α-syn in intestine and brain with motor deficits. qPCR of gut homogenate interpreted that treatment with B. coagulans alter the gut microbial composition in experimental PD through MGBA. This formulation claims as a supportive agent to restore the progression and aid in the therapeutic management of PD.