Korean researchers have uncovered compelling evidence that oral bacteria, once colonized in the gut, can affect neurons in the brain and potentially trigger Parkinson’s disease, according to a September 25 2025 Medical Express report.

The joint research team, led by Professor Ara Koh and doctoral candidate Hyunji Park of POSTECH’s (Pohang University) Department of Life Sciences, identified metabolites produced by oral bacteria in the gut may trigger the development of Parkinson’s disease. They found an increased abundance of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans)—a well-known oral bacterium that causes dental caries, damaging teeth.

The researchers found an elevated amount of enzymes and metabolites in Parkinson’s blood streams known to be produced by S. mutans, specifically the metabolite imidazole propionate (ImP), which contribute to the loss of dopaminergic neurons.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-oral-bacteria-linked-parkinson-gut.html


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