Intestinal microbiota as a modulator of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract

The growing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, has intensified research aimed at understanding biological factors associated with neuroinflammation, a central component of these conditions. Among these factors, the intestinal microbiota has gained increasing attention due to its ability to modulate immune responses and directly influence the gut–brain axis. This study aimed to analyze Brazilian evidence on the role of the intestinal microbiota as a modulator of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. A narrative review was conducted based on six national articles published in scientific journals, addressing physiological mechanisms, intestinal dysbiosis, microglial activation, and emerging therapeutic strategies. The results indicate consistent alterations in the microbial composition of patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, linked to elevated inflammatory markers and disruption of biological barriers. Moreover, interventions targeting microbiota modulation, such as prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, appear to be promising. It is concluded that the intestinal microbiota plays a significant role in mediating neuroinflammation, contributing to a broader understanding of the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases and suggesting relevant directions for future research and therapeutic approaches.