Akkermansia muciniphila as a Potential Guardian against Oral Health Diseases: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The oral microbiome is a diverse ecosystem containing a community of symbiotic, commensal, and pathogenic microorganisms. One key microorganism linked to periodontal disease (PD) is Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), a Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium known to have several virulence factors that trigger inflammation and immune evasion. On the other hand, Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila), a symbiotic bacterium, has been recently shown to play an important role in mitigating inflammation and reducing periodontal damage. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that A. muciniphila decreases inflammatory mediators and improves immune responses, suggesting its role in mitigating PD and related inflammatory systemic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. This review discusses the anti-inflammatory effects of A. muciniphila, its impact on periodontal health, and its potential role in managing systemic diseases. The overall aim is to elucidate how this bacterium might help reduce inflammation, improve oral health, and influence broader health outcomes.

Keywords: Akkermansia muciniphila; diabetes; diet; dysbiosis; hypertension; inflammation; obesity; oral health; periodontal disease; prebiotics; probiotics; short chain fatty acids; systemic diseases.

Figure 1

Oral Bacterial Imbalance, Inflammation, and the Protective Role of Akkermansia muciniphila. Imbalance in oral bacteria leads to inflammation, which contributes to periodontal diseases and can impact systemic health. Akkermansia muciniphila, a gut bacterium with anti-inflammatory properties, can help alleviate these conditions by reducing inflammation and promoting oral and overall health. Red arrows indicate the potentiation or worsening of diseases due to inflammation, while green arrows signify the inhibition or alleviation of diseases by decreasing inflammation.

Figure 2

Akkermansia. muciniphila and inflammation. A. muciniphila by increasing acetate and propionate levels reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1α, IL-12) while simultaneously increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. These findings highlight the crucial role of A. muciniphila in mitigating inflammation and highlight its potential as a therapeutic agent. Symbol ↑ indicates upregulation/increase and symbol ↓ indicates downregulation/decrease.

Figure 3

A. muciniphila and Oral Health-induced inflammation and bone loss. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) have detrimental effects on periodontal diseases (PD) by triggering inflammatory responses and bone destruction. Akkermansia muciniphila has been shown to reduce inflammation, mitigate bone destruction, and enhance anti-inflammatory responses in models of PD. These findings highlight the potential of A. muciniphila as a therapeutic agent in the management of PD-associated inflammation and bone loss. Red arrows indicate the potentiation or worsening of diseases due to inflammation and bone loss, while green arrows signify the inhibition or alleviation of diseases by decreasing inflammation and bone destruction. Symbol ↑ indicates increase.

Figure 4

Akkermansia muciniphila and Other Systemic Diseases Related to Oral Health. Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) has emerged as a notable player in managing systemic conditions linked to inflammation, including periodontal disease (PD), obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and hypertension (HTN). A. muciniphila’s influence on inflammatory pathways and metabolic parameters highlights its potential as a therapeutic agent for chronic diseases and emphasizes the importance of the gut microbiome in overall health. Green arrows signify the inhibition or alleviation of diseases by decreasing inflammation.

Figure 5

Impact of Specific Foods on Metabolic Diseases-induced periodontal diseases and A. muciniphila Abundance. Certain foods that help manage metabolic diseases like hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension also improve oral health. These foods increase the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila), which may enhance their positive effects on systemic diseases and oral health. This suggests that dietary strategies could effectively address chronic conditions by leveraging A. muciniphila’s role in the gut microbiome to improve overall health.