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Gut Microbiota and Tryptophan Metabolites in Parkinson's Disease
Sponsor: Ningxia Medical University
Summary
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that can also affect the digestive system. Changes in gut microorganisms and tryptophan metabolites may be associated with Parkinson's disease, but these relationships are not fully understood. This exploratory observational study will compare gut microbial communities and targeted tryptophan metabolite profiles between 15 participants with Parkinson's disease and 15 healthy controls matched by sex, age, and body mass index. Each participant will provide clinical and lifestyle information and one stool sample. Stool samples will be analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing and targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The study will evaluate differences in gut microbial composition and selected tryptophan metabolites and explore their associations with constipation, bowel habits, medication use, and clinical features of Parkinson's disease. No treatment will be assigned, and participants' usual medical care will not be changed. The findings are exploratory and are intended to guide larger future studies; they cannot establish causality or be used to diagnose Parkinson's disease.
Official title: An Exploratory Case-Control Study of Fecal Microbiota and Targeted Tryptophan Metabolite Profiling in Patients With Parkinson's Disease
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
45 Years - 90 Years
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2026-08-20
Completion Date
2026-11-20
Last Updated
2026-08-06
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Stool Microbiome and Targeted Tryptophan Metabolite Profiling
Each participant will provide one stool sample. Separate aliquots will be analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing and targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to characterize the gut microbiota and quantify prespecified tryptophan metabolites. These analyses are conducted for research purposes only and will not be used for clinical diagnosis or treatment decisions.
Locations (1)
Laizhou People's Hospital
Laizhou, Shandong, China