Effect of Piribedil on the Gut Microbiota of Patients with Parkinson's Disease.

This study aimed to determine whether piribedil therapy alters the gut microbiota of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), providing a theoretical reference for understanding gut microbiota alterations induced by piribedil and their potential clinical implications. Fecal samples were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing. Comparisons were made between patients with PD who took piribedil (piribedil group), patients with PD who did not take piribedil (PD group), and healthy controls (blank group). Compared with the blank group, the relative abundance of Staphylococcus, Rhodococcus, and other genera was higher in the PD group, whereas the relative abundance of Achromobacter and Delftia was lower. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Achromobacter, Delftia, and Stenotrophomonas was higher in the piribedil group compared to the PD group, whereas the relative abundance of Staphylococcus, Rhodococcus, and other species was lower. Compared to healthy individuals, the gut microbiota of patients with PD exhibited significant changes. The gut microbiota of patients taking piribedil significantly differs from that of untreated patients. These results suggest an association between piribedil and altered gut microbiota in patients with PD.