Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence suggest the role of the gut microbiome in the predisposition and progression of Parkinson’s disease. This present cross-sectional study was performed to compare the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota in patients with Parkinson's disease to their counterparts. Stringent inclusion criteria were followed to reliably identify our target population. Parkinson’s patients (n = 40) along with reference subjects (n = 39) were recruited from November 2021 to August 2022. Detailed demographic and clinical data were obtained at baseline using a set of questionnaires and clinical assessment tools. Fecal specimens were collected from all participants, and gut commensals were characterized using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The endpoint was to discern the disparities in the gut microbiota structure. Our results demonstrate no significant difference at the taxonomic level between Parkinson's patients and the reference group. However, marginally significant species associated with intestinal inflammation, gut permeability, and mitochondrial dysfunction were reported. These recent findings create an opportunity for further studies comprising a bigger sample size and using higher resolution sequencing techniques in aims to better understand whether and to what extent gut microbiota alterations play a role in the disease pathogenesis.
School
School of Sciences and Engineering
Department
Institute of Global Health & Human Ecology
Degree Name
MA in Global Public Health
Graduation Date
Fall 2-15-2023
Submission Date
1-24-2023
First Advisor
Mohamed Salama
Second Advisor
Saleh Ibrahim
Committee Member 1
Ahmed Moustafa
Committee Member 2
Hassan El Fawal
Committee Member 3
Sara El Farrash
Extent
58 p.
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval
Approval has been obtained for this item
Recommended Citation
APA Citation
Hashish, S.
(2023).Human Gut Microbiota and Parkinson's Disease in an Egyptian Population [Master's Thesis, the American University in Cairo]. AUC Knowledge Fountain.
https://fount.aucegypt.edu/etds/2027
MLA Citation
Hashish, Sara. Human Gut Microbiota and Parkinson's Disease in an Egyptian Population. 2023. American University in Cairo, Master's Thesis. AUC Knowledge Fountain.
https://fount.aucegypt.edu/etds/2027