SULFUR METABOLISM

[JDRhope]

I am starting a thread where I will post my finding about the sulfur metabolism and it’s role in Parksinson’s. I do believe this is central and through cross referencing between research as well as potential treatments, I will try to provide informative links. It’s less for me a discussion but rather a place to index my findings. I hope it’s helpful.

[JDRhope]

youtu.be/PdELxEBdy3c?si=AOA...(Not working as expected?)

Seneff has been mentioned in the past in this group. My first link is to her recent interview. She explains the role of sulfur quite well. I’m not yet convinced that glyphosate is the only culprit, as with all things I’m sure there are confounding factors.

[JDRhope]

news-medical.net/news/20240...

[JDRhope in reply to JDRhope]

And as an aside regarding DSV which is a sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB)

The Desulfovibrio genus includes sulfate metabolizing bacteria that reduce sulfites and sulfates obtained from the diet and sulfated mucopolysaccharides found in mucin leading to the generation of hydrogen sulfide, a cytotoxic compound. Hydrogen sulfide inhibits cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, leading to low ATP production. H2S also disrupts calcium homeostasis, leading to high intracellular calcium. Depletion of reduced glutathione leads to generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

The entire biome is about balance. DSV in excess is not beneficial to health.

[Bear1927 in reply to JDRhope]

This is very interesting. Any ideas how to get it back to balance?

[JDRhope in reply to Bear1927]

There are many different supplement, nutrional, metabolic approaches. Many of them have been discussed in this group. The post about IVM a few days ago talks about bifidobacteria. Please see my comments there. BUT the main question is what goes wrong in the immune system that the checks and balances do not work effectively? There are a number of assaults from all directions and many compounding factors. My opinion is that PD and all the rest are autoimmune/autoinflammatory. Seneff touched upon this though her focal point is environmental toxins. The list is unfortunately wide and long. So from my perspective it’s best to focus purely on immunomodulatory interventions by understanding the core pathways involved. Sulfur metabolics is one.

[MSMN]

I asked ChatGPT about this bacteria and this was the answer. I found it quite interesting :

Research has suggested a potential link between *Desulfovibrio* species and Parkinson's disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, as well as non-motor symptoms. Here are some key points regarding the connection:

1. **Gut-Brain Axis**: The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication pathway between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. It involves various mechanisms, including the nervous system, immune system, and microbial metabolites. Dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbiota) has been implicated in several neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease.

2. **Presence in Gut Microbiota**: Studies have found that patients with Parkinson's disease often exhibit changes in their gut microbiota composition. Specifically, there is evidence suggesting an increased abundance of *Desulfovibrio* species in the gut of PD patients compared to healthy controls.

3. **Hydrogen Sulfide Production**: *Desulfovibrio* bacteria are sulfate-reducers, producing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as a metabolic byproduct. While H2S is a signaling molecule in the body, excessive amounts can be toxic and may contribute to neuroinflammation and neuronal damage. This neurotoxicity could potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.

4. **Inflammation and Immune Response**: Chronic inflammation and an overactive immune response are thought to play roles in Parkinson's disease. The presence of *Desulfovibrio* and other pro-inflammatory gut bacteria might exacerbate inflammatory processes, thereby influencing the onset and progression of PD.

5. **Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation**: Alpha-synuclein is a protein that forms pathological aggregates in the brains of individuals with Parkinson's disease. Some research suggests that gut bacteria, including *Desulfovibrio*, might influence the misfolding and aggregation of alpha-synuclein, contributing to the disease's neurodegenerative processes.

6. **Research Findings**:

- A 2020 study published in "Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology" reported that the abundance of *Desulfovibrio* species was significantly higher in fecal samples from Parkinson's disease patients compared to healthy controls .

- Another study highlighted that the presence of these bacteria correlated with increased gut permeability and systemic inflammation, which are both linked to Parkinson's disease pathology .

These findings suggest a potential link between *Desulfovibrio* species in the gut microbiota and Parkinson's disease, although the exact mechanisms and causative relationships remain areas of active research. Understanding this connection better may lead to novel therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota to prevent or treat Parkinson's disease.

---

1. Sampson, T. R., et al. (2020). "The gut microbiota regulates both the severity of amyloid-β-induced inflammation and the accumulation of amyloid plaques in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease." *Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology*.

2. Hill-Burns, E. M., et al. (2017). "Gut microbiome composition and Parkinson's disease: implications for disease progression and treatment." *Journal of Parkinson's Disease*.

Reducing the levels of Desulfovibrio bacteria in the gut, particularly if they are implicated in conditions such as Parkinson's disease, involves several strategies that focus on diet, probiotics, lifestyle changes, and possibly medical interventions. Here are some approaches that might help:

Dietary Changes

Reduce Sulfate and Sulfur Intake: Since Desulfovibrio bacteria thrive on sulfate and sulfur compounds, reducing these in the diet might help. Foods high in sulfur include certain vegetables (e.g., garlic, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts) and protein-rich foods (e.g., red meat, eggs, dairy).

Increase Fiber Intake: A high-fiber diet can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and help reduce the population of harmful bacteria. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

Avoid Processed Foods and Sugars: Processed foods and sugars can disrupt the gut microbiota balance, potentially favoring the growth of harmful bacteria, including Desulfovibrio.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics: Consuming probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria, can help restore balance to the gut microbiota. Specific strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are often recommended.

Prebiotics: Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed beneficial gut bacteria. Foods rich in prebiotics include bananas, onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, and chicory root.

Lifestyle Changes

Regular Exercise: Physical activity can positively influence gut health by increasing microbial diversity and promoting beneficial bacteria.

Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively affect gut health. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and adequate sleep can help reduce stress.

Medical Interventions

Antibiotics: In some cases, doctors might prescribe antibiotics to reduce specific harmful bacteria. However, this approach is generally a last resort due to the potential for antibiotics to disrupt the overall gut microbiota.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT): This is an emerging treatment where fecal matter from a healthy donor is transplanted into the patient's gut to restore healthy microbiota balance. Research on its efficacy for various conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, is ongoing.

Regular Monitoring and Consultation

Regular Check-ups: Regular consultations with healthcare providers, particularly gastroenterologists or specialists in gut health, can help monitor and manage gut microbiota composition.

Testing: Periodic testing of the gut microbiota can provide insights into the bacterial composition and guide targeted interventions.

Specific Supplements

Butyrate Supplements: Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced by beneficial gut bacteria from fiber, has anti-inflammatory properties and supports gut health. Supplementation can promote a healthy gut environment.

Polyphenols: Polyphenol-rich foods and supplements, such as green tea, berries, and dark chocolate, can have a prebiotic effect, supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Practical Steps

Hydration: Drinking plenty of water supports overall digestive health and helps maintain a balanced gut microbiota.

Limit Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact gut health, so it's best to limit intake.

Implementing these strategies can help create a gut environment less conducive to the overgrowth of Desulfovibrio and promote overall gut health. However, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to diet or lifestyle, especially if dealing with a condition like Parkinson's disease.

[Jana86 in reply to MSMN]

Thanks for sharing. I appreciate the warning about changing your diet or life-style without checking with your doc, but honestly have you found any doc with significant knowledge about both PD and nutrition? PD and exercise? PD and stress reactions? PD and trauma history? I haven't...my primary refuses a blood test for B-12 and D-3 (previously tested before as abnormally low) unless it's been a year since the last one. When I was diagnosed, my "movement disorder specialist" said that intense exercise makes PwP's feel worse and that "you can eat anything you want."

[MSMN in reply to Jana86]

Well, the above text was written by ChatGPT based on my questions regarding this topic. Hence the warning You are right, no doctor knows about about food and all the rest.

[JDRhope]

A very technical paper which is impossible to summarize. There is a lot of confusion about Hydrogen Sulfide so this very simple sentence “Both endogenous and exogenous sources of H2S confer neuroprotective effects at low doses and deleterious effects at higher doses.” explains it well. Again maintaining the balance is key and asking what disrupts this balance.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...