Non-Invasive Focused Ultrasound to Reduce Gut Inflammation in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative motor disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, with projections suggesting the number of diagnosed cases could reach 15 million by 2040 (Dorsey et al., 2018). While PD is primarily recognized for its impact on movement, it also frequently causes non-motor symptoms, including gastrointestinal (GI) issues such as constipation, which affects 60-80% of patients. Chronic gut inflammation has been proposed as a key factor exacerbating these symptoms. Despite the prevalence of GI complications in PD, they are often overlooked, and existing treatments for constipation are limited in both efficacy and scope. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) have shown promising potential in treating GI inflammation. A novel, non-invasive ultrasound-based neuromodulation technique has demonstrated the ability to decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting it could provide a new approach to managing these symptoms. This study aims to investigate whether non-invasive ultrasound can reduce gut inflammation and effectively relieve constipation in Parkinson's patients. Using a hemi parkinsonian chemically lesioned rat model known to exhibit constipation, we measure water consumption and fecal pellet output weekly as indicators of GI function. An increase in fecal pellet numbers following FUS treatment could indicate improved bowel function, offering a novel, widely accessible, and non-invasive therapy for constipation in PD. By advancing our understanding of how neuromodulation can address GI symptoms, this approach could provide a significant alternative to current invasive treatment options.