Potential Effects of Akkermansia Muciniphila in Aging and Aging-Related Diseases: Current Evidence and Perspectives

Abstract

Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) is an anaerobic bacterium that widely colonizes the mucus layer of the human and animal gut. The role of this symbiotic bacterium in host metabolism, inflammation, and cancer immunotherapy has been extensively investigated over the past 20 years. Recently, a growing number of studies have revealed a link between A. muciniphila, and aging and aging-related diseases (ARDs). Research in this area is gradually shifting from correlation analysis to exploration of causal relationships. Here, we systematically reviewed the association of A. muciniphila with aging and ARDs (including vascular degeneration, neurodegenerative diseases, osteoporosis, chronic kidney disease, and type 2 diabetes). Furthermore, we summarize the potential mechanisms of action of A. muciniphila and offer perspectives for future studies.

Figure 1.

Potential effects and major mechanisms of A. muciniphila on aging and ARDs. By Figdraw (www.figdraw.com). Supplementation with A. muciniphila may be an effective project for anti-aging and alleviating ARDs, which is mainly through increasing the flow of metabolites such as SCFA and NAMs, restraining systemic inflammation, and secreting functional proteins and extracellular vesicles targeting to the extrenteral organs. However, the abundance of A. muciniphila is elevated in the gut of Parkinson's patients, but whether supplementation with A. muciniphila exacerbates the progression of Parkinson remains controversial. A. muciniphila, Akkermansia muciniphila; ARDs, Ageing-related diseases; SCFAs, Short-chain fatty acids; AmEVs, A. muciniphila -derived extracellular vesicles; NAM, Nicotinamide; LPS, Lipopolysaccharide.