Revisiting the role of Akkermansia muciniphila as a therapeutic bacterium

Abstract

Despite a short history since its first isolation, Akkermansia muciniphila has been extensively studied in relation to its effects on human metabolism. A recent human intervention study also demonstrated that the bacterium is safe to use for therapeutic purposes. The best-known effects of A. muciniphila in human health and disease relate to its ability to strengthen gut integrity, modulate insulin resistance, and protect the host from metabolic inflammation. A further molecular mechanism, induction of GLP-1 secretion through ICAM-2 receptor, was recently discovered with the identification of a new bacterial protein produced by A. muciniphila . However, other studies have suggested a detrimental role for A. muciniphila in specific host immune settings. Here, we evaluate the molecular, mechanistic effects of A. muciniphila in host health and suggest some of the missing links to be connected before the organism should be considered as a next-generation biotherapeutic agent.

The potential impact of a probiotic: Akkermansia muciniphila in the regulation of blood pressure—the current facts and evidence

“…Its role has been studied in major diseases, Page 2 of 15 Lakshmanan et al Journal of Translational Medicine (2022) 20:430 such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, immune disorders, pregnancy complications, cancer, tumor, brain disorders, liver diseases, and kidney diseases. Its abundance level is very critical for normal physiological functions and any abnormality in its level is closely associated with the pathophysiology of these diseases [9][10][11][12][13]. Moreover, the drugs that we use to treat these diseases also impact A. muciniphila's abundance level, mainly metformin [14], gemcitabine [15], paclitaxel [16], anti-PDI therapy [17], and some phytochemicals, such as andrographolide [18], puerarin [19], Bofutsushosan or Kampo [20] and resveratrol [21].…”

Extracellular Vesicles of Probiotics: Shedding Light on the Biological Activity and Future Applications

“…In recent years, a strong separation between these two terms is made, contributing to the gradual expansion of research on probiotic properties of Gram-negative bacteria and their EVs. In this context, a mucin-degrading, Gram-negative bacterium A. muciniphila deserves special attention, as it was isolated for the first time as lately as in 2004 [ 27 ], while, in recent years, there has been an undoubted bloom in interest in this bacterium and its EVs [ 28 ]. In our opinion, the above situation has a chance to encourage other researchers focusing on the subject of probiotic microorganisms to expand their search with new, valuable species of probiotics from the group of Gram-negative bacteria.…”

Characteristics of the gut microbiome in esports players compared with those in physical education students and professional athletes

“…Akkermansia is associated with overall good health and is less abundant among obese individuals ( 51 ). Additionally, A. muciniphila increases gut barrier function ( 52 ), promotes the release of human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), downregulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and controls fat storage ( 53 , 54 ). The following abundant species, Roseburia hominis , is a known producer of butyrate ( 55 ).…”