Common features in the gut microbiota of underweight and overweight individuals and patients with Parkinson's disease - a mini-review.

This study explores the complex relationship between gut microbiota composition, body weight, and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recognizing that microbiota profiles vary across Body Mass Index (BMI) categories: underweight, normal weight, and overweight, here we investigate how these differences may correlate with PD pathogenesis and the severity of the disease. The findings highlight common dysbiotic features, such as increased pro-inflammatory bacteria, observed in both PD and obesity, suggesting the involvement of shared inflammatory pathways in disease development. Conversely, all three groups: individuals with underweight, obesity, and PD exhibit reduced abundance of beneficial bacteria, which potentially impairs immune and metabolic functions, such as carbohydrate turnover and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) delivery. Following this analysis, we focus on and briefly discuss dietary patterns, which emerge as key modulators of gut microbiota. Plant-based and Mediterranean diets promote beneficial microbes and SCFAs production, while diets high in saturated fats and processed foods contribute to detrimental microbial shifts. Understanding these interactions underscores the importance of personalized approaches (including nutritional) targeting gut microbiota modulation as potential therapeutic avenues in PD. This integrative perspective advocates for further multidisciplinary research to elucidate causal mechanisms and develop microbiota-focused interventions aimed at delaying neurodegeneration and improving PD patient outcomes.