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Akkermansia muciniphila has become an important factor in the study of ulcerative colitis (UC), serving both as a biomarker and as a potential candidate for next-generation probiotic therapy. Research from experimental models, clinical studies, and early translational investigations indicates that the presence, role, and therapeutic use of this bacterium can impact the development and progression of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) (1, 2, 3, 4).
Akkermansia muciniphila was dramatically reduced in patients with ulcerative colitis (2, 5, 6).
Lower levels are associated with increased inflammation, more severe disease, and, according to some studies, a shorter period of remission. An abundance is connected to the integrity of sulfated mucins in the mucus gel layer, which is crucial for the function of the epithelial barrier (3).
Supplementation with Akkermansia muciniphila in animal models results in a significant reduction in the severity of colitis. This is evidenced by improvements in weight, colon length, histological damage, and the disease activity index (1, 7).
Mechanistically, therapeutic benefits include:
* Restoration of the intestinal mucus layer and increased goblet cell numbers (8)
* Upregulation of tight junction proteins (e.g., occludin, claudin-1), which strengthens epithelial barrier integrity (1, 9)
* Reduction of intestinal permeability (1, 8).
* Modulation of immune response, with downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Interleukin-1 (IL-1) beta (IL-1F2), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor alfa (TNF-alfa)) and upregulation of regulatory cytokines, such as Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and Interleukin-22 Receptor (IL-22R) (1, 10).
* Enhancement of antioxidant capacity and reduction of oxidative stress (8, 9).
* Positive shifts in gut microbial composition and increased production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (e.g., butyrate) (1, 11).
The impact of Akkermansia muciniphila seems to vary depending on the specific strain. Certain strains, such as Akkermansia muciniphila FSDLZ36M5 and Akkermansia muciniphila ONE, demonstrate protective effects. In contrast, other strains might have minimal impact or could even worsen inflammation in preclinical models (1, 12).
Live and pasteurized preparations are both effective. Sometimes, pasteurized forms outperform live bacteria in reducing inflammation, modulating microbiota, and improving metabolic markers (11, 13, 14).
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see also:
Akkermansia muciniphila WST01