The Role of Gut Microbiota in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Current Insights and Therapeutic Implications

Small microscopic entities known as microbes, having a population of hundreds of billions or perhaps even in trillions, reside in our gastrointestinal tract. A healthy immune system, digestion, and creation of vitamins and enzymes are all thanks to these microbes. However, new research has shown a hitherto unrecognized connection between the microbiota of the intestines and the genesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Neurons in the CNS gradually deteriorate in neurodegenerative illnesses like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease (PD). This deterioration impairs cognitive and physical function. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), PD, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are just a few examples of neurodegenerative illnesses that pose a serious threat to world health and have few effective treatments. Recent research suggests that the gut microbiota, a diverse microbial population found in the gastrointestinal system, may substantially impact the cause and development of various diseases. The discovery of altered gut microbiota composition in people with these illnesses is one of the most critical lines of evidence connecting gut microbiota dysbiosis to neurodegenerative diseases. AD patients have a distinct characteristic of having a particular microbiota profile. In addition, an excess population of a specific microbe data profile is seen as compared to a healthy individual. Similar changes in the gut microbiota composition have been noted in people with multiple sclerosis and PD. The latest study indicates the potential that dysbiosis, a condition characterized by alteration in the intestinal microbiota's makeup and functioning, may have an effect on the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including PD and multiple sclerosis. In order to emphasize any potential underlying mechanisms and examine potential treatment repercussions, the review article's goal is to summarize current knowledge about the connection between gut microbiota and neurodegenerative disorders. The review article aims to summarize current knowledge about the connection between gut microbiota and neurodegenerative disorders, highlighting potential underlying mechanisms and examining potential treatment repercussions.

Blenderized Tube Feeding and Enterostomy Tube Occlusions Among Adults with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Primary Lateral Sclerosis

Adults with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) may develop swallowing difficulties and elect to receive an enterostomy feeding tube for nutrition support. Blenderized tube feeding (BTF) appeals to those interested in a homemade enteral nutrition option, but there are concerns of feeding tube occlusion and limited research on this potential risk. Therefore, our purpose was to determine the frequency of, and risk factors for, feeding tube occlusions among adults with ALS or PLS who use BTF. For this retrospective study, the electronic medical records of tube-fed adults with ALS or PLS who received outpatient care at a provincial ALS clinic during a two-year period were reviewed (n = 651). There were 97 tube-fed patients identified, of which 20 (21%) used BTF. Average duration of BTF use was 11.25 ± 7.5 months. Seven subjects (35%) used BTF exclusively, while 13 (65%) used a combination of BTF and commercial enteral formula. All received BTF by gastrostomy tube, sized 14 to 24 French. BTF administration methods and compliance with water flush recommendations varied. Despite the perceived risk of feeding tube occlusions with blenderized tube feeding, no occlusions were found to have occurred in this study.

Mutant FUS and ELAVL4 (HuD) Aberrant Crosstalk in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been genetically linked to mutations in RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), including FUS. Here, we report the RNA interactome of wild-type and mutant FUS in human motor neurons (MNs). This analysis identified a number of RNA targets. Whereas the wild-type protein preferentially binds introns, the ALS mutation causes a shift toward 3' UTRs. Neural ELAV-like RBPs are among mutant FUS targets. As a result, ELAVL4 protein levels are increased in mutant MNs. ELAVL4 and mutant FUS interact and co-localize in cytoplasmic speckles with altered biomechanical properties. Upon oxidative stress, ELAVL4 and mutant FUS are engaged in stress granules. In the spinal cord of FUS ALS patients, ELAVL4 represents a neural-specific component of FUS-positive cytoplasmic aggregates, whereas in sporadic patients it co-localizes with phosphorylated TDP-43-positive inclusions. We propose that pathological mutations in FUS trigger an aberrant crosstalk with ELAVL4 with implications for ALS.