Akkermansia muciniphila as a Next-Generation Probiotic in Modulating Human Metabolic Homeostasis and Disease Progression: A Role Mediated by Gut–Liver–Brain Axes?

Abstract

Appreciation of the importance of Akkermansia muciniphila is growing, and it is becoming increasingly relevant to identify preventive and/or therapeutic solutions targeting gut–liver–brain axes for multiple diseases via Akkermansia muciniphila. In recent years, Akkermansia muciniphila and its components such as outer membrane proteins and extracellular vesicles have been known to ameliorate host metabolic health and intestinal homeostasis. However, the impacts of Akkermansia muciniphila on host health and disease are complex, as both potentially beneficial and adverse effects are mediated by Akkermansia muciniphila and its derivatives, and in some cases, these effects are dependent upon the host physiology microenvironment and the forms, genotypes, and strain sources of Akkermansia muciniphila. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the current knowledge of how Akkermansia muciniphila interacts with the host and influences host metabolic homeostasis and disease progression. Details of Akkermansia muciniphila will be discussed including its biological and genetic characteristics; biological functions including anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, anti-metabolic-syndrome, anti-inflammation, anti-aging, anti-neurodegenerative disease, and anti-cancer therapy functions; and strategies to elevate its abundance. Key events will be referred to in some specific disease states, and this knowledge should facilitate the identification of Akkermansia muciniphila-based probiotic therapy targeting multiple diseases via gut–liver–brain axes.

Dietary 5-demethylnobiletin attenuated dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice by inhibiting immune response and regulating gut microbiota

“…63 Therefore, future studies should consider the differences in strain, specific host conditions, and mouse strain when evaluating the therapeutic effects of Akk in the treatment of human inflammation including IBD and colitis. 63…”

“…Several studies have found that elevated Akk abundance is positively correlated with worsening of host disease progression. 63 For some specific conditions, Akk promotes colitis and exacerbates the progression of inflammation. For example, Akk exacerbates the inflammatory response caused by murine Salmonella enterica Typhimurium and DSS.…”

“…61 The impacts of Akk on host health and disease are complex, as both potentially beneficial and adverse effects are mediated by Akk and its derivatives, and in some cases, these effects are dependent upon the host physiological microenvironment and the forms, genotypes, and strain sources of Akk. 63 Therefore, future studies should consider the differences in strain, specific host conditions, and mouse strain when evaluating the therapeutic effects of Akk in the treatment of human inflammation including IBD and colitis. 63 In our assay, dietary 5DN faded the enrichment of pathogenic bacteria, such as Erysipelotrichaceae, Peptococcaceae, Clostridium, Parabacteroides, and Sutterella.…”

“…63 Therefore, future studies should consider the differences in strain, specific host conditions, and mouse strain when evaluating the therapeutic effects of Akk in the treatment of human inflammation including IBD and colitis. 63 In our assay, dietary 5DN faded the enrichment of pathogenic bacteria, such as Erysipelotrichaceae, Peptococcaceae, Clostridium, Parabacteroides, and Sutterella. Clostridium is a community of gram-positive bacteria that includes several human pathogens.…”

Association of homelessness and diet on the gut microbiome: A United States-Veteran Microbiome Project (US-VMP) study

“…Interestingly, Graner and colleagues found that when compared to those without alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) those with ALD exhibited decreased relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila , an intestinal commensal that promotes barrier function in part by enhancing mucus production (54). Recent interventions have used probiotic supplementation of Akkermansia for several health outcomes (55, 56), and it might have potential for those with a history of homelessness; however further research is required. While the observed Akkermansia trend was as expected, finding lower Prevotella 9 in Veterans with no history of homelessness was unexpected.…”