# Exploring the role of gut microbiota in potential mechanism of ketogenic diet in alleviating Parkinson’s disease symptoms

## TL;DR

This study suggests that a ketogenic diet may help Parkinson’s disease symptoms by changing gut bacteria in ways that reduce inflammation.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific gut microbiota shifts associated with clinical improvements in Parkinson’s disease patients following a ketogenic diet.

## Key findings

- PD patients showed distinct gut dysbiosis with increased Enterobacteriaceae at baseline.
- A 12-week ketogenic diet improved motor and non-motor PD symptoms and altered gut microbiota.
- Microbial shifts included increased Enterococcus and Synergistota, and decreased Alloprevotella.

## Abstract

Current clinical research suggests that the ketogenic diet (KD) intervention can alleviate Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This pilot study explored the potential link between KD-induced clinical improvements and gut microbiota alterations.

We engaged 27 PD patients in a 12-week ketogenic dietary trial (16 completed) and employed 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze gut microbiota differences compared to 27 healthy controls.

Baseline analysis revealed distinct dysbiosis in PD patients, characterized by increased abundance of Enterobacteriaceae. Following the 12-week intervention, patients exhibited significant improvements in both motor (MDS-UPDRS Part III, p < 0.001) and non-motor symptoms (NMSS, p < 0.0001). These clinical improvements were accompanied by specific microbial shifts: a significant increase in Enterococcus and Synergistota, and a decrease in Alloprevotella.

These findings suggest that the therapeutic effects of the ketogenic diet in PD are associated with specific remodeling of the gut microbiota, particularly the enrichment of potential beneficial taxa and reduction of pro-inflammatory genera.

https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html, Unique Identifier: ChiCTR2100045394.