Dangerous Sugar from the Gut: How Bacteria Attack the Brain 0 12

Harmful Sugar and Neurodegeneration

According to data from "Earth," certain gut bacteria produce a dangerous sugar. This sugar can cause damage to the immune system, which is associated with the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Genetic Vulnerability

Patients with the C9ORF72 mutation, which is one of the key hereditary causes of these ailments, show a reduced efficiency in the removal of bacterial glycogen by immune cells. This leads to an exacerbation of inflammatory processes in the body.

The most dangerous forms of glycogen have a dense and complex structure. This structure makes it difficult to break them down, allowing the inflammatory signal to persist for a long time.

Animal Experiments

In experiments on mice, it was found that one type of gut bacteria can destroy the blood-brain barrier. This allows the immune system to penetrate directly into the brain.

In animals with a deficiency of the C9ORF72 gene, the damage was significantly more severe, highlighting the role of genetics.

Therapy Prospects

Daily administration of the digestive enzyme alpha-amylase showed promising results. It contributed to the breakdown of bacterial glycogen and reduced the activity of microglia—immune cells in the brain.

Additionally, the enzyme decreased barrier permeability, improving survival even after the onset of the inflammatory process.

Early Diagnosis

Analysis of stool samples taken from 35 individuals revealed interesting patterns. Harmful glycogen was found in 11 out of 17 patients with sporadic ALS.

It was also found in 8 out of 9 patients in the first 18 months of disease development, indicating a potential early marker for the disease.

New Horizons

These discoveries form a unified chain linking the chemical composition of the gut, genetic risks, and brain damage. This opens new horizons for the development of early diagnostic methods and effective therapies.