Investigating gut alterations in Alzheimer’s disease: In-depth analysis with micro- and nano-3D X-ray phase contrast tomography

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder, remains one of the foremost public health challenges affecting more than 30 million people worldwide with the etiology still largely enigmatic. The intricate gut-brain axis, serving as a vital communication network between the gut and the brain, appears to wield influence in the progression of AD. Our study showcases the remarkable precision of x-ray phase-contrast tomography (XPCT) in conducting an advanced three-dimensional examination of gut cellular composition and structure. The exploitation of micro- and nano-XPCT on various AD mouse models unveiled relevant alterations in villi and crypts, cellular transformations in Paneth and goblet cells, along with the detection of telocytes, neurons, erythrocytes, and mucus secretion by goblet cells within the gut cavity. The observed gut structural variations may elucidate the transition from dysbiosis to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Leveraging XPCT could prove pivotal in early detection and prognosis of the disease.