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Cognitive dysfunction is common in people with MS and can impact significantly on everyday functioning and quality of life. Recent studies have also found changes in the gut bacteria (called the gut microbiome) of people with MS. Importantly, gut bacteria are linked with inflammatory processes, the brain’s kynurenine pathway (a key regulator of the immune response) and resultant brain cell death. It is therefore probable that an imbalance in gut bacteria may underly the changes in cognition that occur in MS.Â
This research investigated the effects of consuming probiotics on cognitive symptoms, inflammatory markers (signs of inflammation) along the kynurenine pathway and on gut bacteria in people with MS. It also examined the extent to which inflammatory markers along the kynurenine pathway are associated with cognitive dysfunction and cognitive changes over time.Â
The research outcomes are likely to lead to improved clinical care, patient health and quality of life, as well as reduced economic and health burden. The research outcomes will also direct future research examining the gut-brain connection.Â
Ms Purton’s PhD research found that consuming probiotics for 12 weeks substantially increased the diversity of the species of bacteria in the gut microbiome compared to not consuming probiotics. There were changes in some kynurenine pathway metabolites in both people who consumed and who did not consume probiotics, with a greater effect in those who took the probiotics, but no changes for other metabolites. Some improvements in cognition occurred in people who took the probiotics but there were no changes in fatigue in either those who took the probiotics or who did not take the probiotics.
The ability of probiotics to change the composition of the gut microbiome and the suggestions of effects on cognition and fatigue justify exploring these effects of probiotics further in studies with larger number of participants.
Ms Purton is preparing several publications for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
Updated 31 March 2024Â
$70,000
2022
2 years
Past project
