Two new studies suggest colonic tissue obtained during either colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy may eventually be used to predict who will develop Parkinson's disease, according to a news release.
The studies were published the May 15 issue of the Movement Disorders journal and were conducted by Dr. Kathleen M. Shannon, neurologist in the Movement Disorders and Parkinson's Center at Rush University Medical Center, and a multidisciplinary team of scientists at Rush.
The team analyzed samples of tissue obtained during colonoscopy exams that took place 2-5 years before the first symptom of Parkinson's disease appeared in three research subjects, and all of the subjects showed the characteristic alpha-synuclein protein in the wall of the lower intestine. The investigators also showed colonic tissue is easily obtained using flexible sigmoidoscopy.
"Recent clinical and pathological evidence supports the notion that Parkinson's disease may begin in the intestinal wall then spread through the nerves to the brain," said Dr. Shannon, in the release. "Clinical signs of intestinal disease, such as constipation, Parkinson's disease diagnosis by more than a decade. These studies suggest it may one day be possible to use colonic tissue biopsy to predict who will develop motor Parkinson's disease."
Related Articles on Colonoscopy:
Study: Laxative-Free Colon Screening May Match Colonoscopy in Detection of High-Risk Polyps
6 Legislative and Regulatory Changes Affecting the Ambulatory Surgery Center Industry
Gastroenterologist Dr. Shaily Jain Writes Column on Importance of Colonoscopies for Women