X-ray tomography reveals the gut-brain connection in Alzheimer’s

Scientists led by the Institute for Nanotechnology in Italy, in collaboration with the ESRF, have the European Synchrotron in Grenoble, France, discovered how X-ray micro and nanomography can give instructions about the processes that the intestinal neurur with those in those in the the Brain and can cause Alzheimer’s. The results are published in science preliminary output.

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia, is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by brain change, including synaptic loss, chronic inflammation and neuronal cell death.

In recent years, scientists have found evidence that the intestine and the brain communicate by the neurons placed in both organs. Dysfunction in this axis is linked to psychiatric and neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s.

The intestinal microbiota, which refers to the micro -organisms in the intestinal tract, plays a key role in human health and influences brain function, cognition and behavior. “There are already many studies that support that changes in the intestinal composition can contribute to the beginning and progression of Alzheimer’s,” explains Alessia Cedola, researcher of the Institute of Nanotechnology in Italy and corresponding author of the article.

In particular, dysbiosis, the process with which there is a loss of microbial diversity, causes the prevalence of dangerous bacteria that produce toxic metabolites that promote inflammation, and consequently the fracture of the intestine/brain barriers.

What exactly happens when intestinal dysbiosis occurs? “The most important hypothesis is that changes cause the escape of bad bacteria from the intestine, enter the bloodstream, reach the brain and cause Alzheimer’s, but the proof is still bad,” Cedola adds.

Reach the core of intestinal health

Now scientists have discovered that nano and micro X-ray-contrast tomography (XPCT) is a powerful tool to study structural and morphological changes in the intestine, without tissue manipulation. The team came to the ESRF, the European Synchrotron, in Grenoble, France, to scan monsters on Bundellijn ID16A. “Thanks to this technique, we can see soft organic tissues with excellent sensitivity in 3D, with minimal sample preparation and without contrast agents,” explains Peter Cloetens, scientist responsible for ID16a and co-author of the publication.

The data of the experiments, also partially performed at Soleil, showed the changes in cell overflow and organization in the tissues, as well as structural change in different tissues of mice that are affected with Alzheimer’s. In particular, the relevant changes in the Villi and crypts of the intestine, cellular transformations in paneth and cup cells, together with the detection of telocytes, neurons, erythrocytes and slime separation by cup cables in the intestinal cavity. Maintain all these elements when they work correctly, intestinal health, support digestion and protect the intestinal wall against damage.

This technique represents a real breakthrough for the thorough analysis of the intestine, and it can be crucial in early detection and prognosis of the disease. As an old user of the ESRF I can testify to the incredible opportunities that this facility offers for advanced research and the nanoimaging bundle line, especially with the EBs. Coming to the ESRF has played an important role in promoting our understanding of the intestinal brain axis in Alzheimer’s disease “.

Alessia Cedola, researcher, Institute of Nanotechnology, Italy

Together with scientists Francesca Palermo and Claudia Balducci, the following steps in this study will be to further use the possibilities of XPCT to study how the intestine communicates with the central nervous system. The team wants to investigate the enteric nervous system and his role in Alzheimer’s disease.

“By gaining a deeper insight into these processes, we hope to identify new therapeutic goals and develop innovative treatments for this devastating disease. The ESRF will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role in our research, and we are looking forward to many more exciting discoveries In the coming years, “concludes Cedola.

This research emphasizes the importance of biomedical studies at the ESRF, because the facility wants to further improve this focus in the coming years.