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In the quest to promote healthy aging and potentially extend lifespan, scientists have been investigating various approaches in the field of regenerative medicine. One intriguing area of research involves the gut microbiome - the trillions of bacteria that reside in our digestive tract. Among these bacteria, a species called Akkermansia muciniphila has garnered attention for its potential role in weight loss and anti-aging.
Lean Individuals Have More
Akkermansia muciniphila is a bacterial species found in the mucus layer of the gut. It has been observed that lean individuals tend to have higher levels of Akkermansia compared to those who are overweight or obese (Dao et al., 2016). Animal studies have shown that supplementing with Akkermansia can reduce body weight gain, improve insulin sensitivity, and decrease inflammation (Everard et al., 2013).
Unraveling the Mechanism of Akkermansia
The mechanisms by which Akkermansia may promote weight loss are still being unraveled. One theory is that Akkermansia helps to strengthen the gut barrier, preventing toxins and inflammatory compounds from entering the bloodstream (Xu et al., 2020). A leaky gut barrier has been linked to obesity and metabolic disorders. By bolstering gut integrity, Akkermansia may help to mitigate these issues.
Akkermansia has also been found to influence energy metabolism. In mouse studies, Akkermansia supplementation led to increased energy expenditure and fat burning (Depommier et al., 2019). It's thought that Akkermansia may activate certain receptors involved in thermogenesis, the process of heat production that boosts calorie burning.
Extending Lifespan?
Beyond its effects on weight, Akkermansia has shown promise in combating age-related conditions. In a study on older mice, Akkermansia supplementation extended lifespan and improved markers of health in late life (Bárcena et al., 2019). The treated mice exhibited better motor function, reduced inflammation in the brain, and more youthful looking skin compared to untreated aged mice.
Early Work & More Research
While the research on Akkermansia and longevity is still in its early stages, there are reasons to be optimistic. Akkermansia seems to have systemic effects on metabolism, inflammation, and even brain health - all factors that influence aging. By targeting the gut microbiome, we may be able to promote healthy aging from the inside out.
Of course, more research is needed to fully understand the role of Akkermansia in human health and aging. Most studies so far have been conducted in animals, and human trials are still limited. Additionally, the optimal dosage and delivery method for Akkermansia supplementation needs to be determined for therapeutic use.
Nevertheless, the science surrounding Akkermansia highlights the exciting potential of the gut microbiome as a target for regenerative medicine and anti-aging interventions. As we continue to learn more about the complex ecosystem within our own bodies, we may uncover new ways to promote lifelong health and longevity. Akkermansia is just one piece of this puzzle, but it's an intriguing piece that warrants further investigation.
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References:
Bárcena, C., Valdés-Mas, R., Mayoral, P., Garabaya, C., Durand, S., Rodríguez, F., Fernández-García, M. T., Salazar, N., Nogacka, A. M., Garatachea, N., Bossut, N., Aprahamian, F., Lucia, A., Kroemer, G., Freije, J. M. P., & Quirós, P. M. (2019). Healthspan and lifespan extension by fecal microbiota transplantation into progeroid mice. Nature Medicine, 25(8), 1234-1242. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-019-0504-5
Dao, M. C., Everard, A., Aron-Wisnewsky, J., Sokolovska, N., Prifti, E., Verger, E. O., Kayser, B. D., Levenez, F., Chilloux, J., Hoyles, L., MICRO-Obes Consortium, Dumas, M. E., Rizkalla, S. W., Doré, J., Cani, P. D., & Clément, K. (2016). Akkermansia muciniphila and improved metabolic health during a dietary intervention in obesity: Relationship with gut microbiome richness and ecology. Gut, 65(3), 426-436. https://doi.org/10.1136/gutjnl-2014-308778
Depommier, C., Everard, A., Druart, C., Plovier, H., Van Hul, M., Vieira-Silva, S., Falony, G., Raes, J., Maiter, D., Delzenne, N. M., de Barsy, M., Loumaye, A., Hermans, M. P., Thissen, J. P., de Vos, W. M., & Cani, P. D. (2019). Supplementation with Akkermansia muciniphila in overweight and obese human volunteers: A proof-of-concept exploratory study. Nature Medicine, 25(7), 1096-1103. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-019-0495-2
Everard, A., Belzer, C., Geurts, L., Ouwerkerk, J. P., Druart, C., Bindels, L. B., Guiot, Y., Derrien, M., Muccioli, G. G., Delzenne, N. M., de Vos, W. M., & Cani, P. D. (2013). Cross-talk between Akkermansia muciniphila and intestinal epithelium controls diet-induced obesity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(22), 9066-9071. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1219451110
Xu, Y., Wang, N., Tan, H. Y., Li, S., Zhang, C., & Feng, Y. (2020). Function of Akkermansia muciniphila in Obesity: Interactions With Lipid Metabolism, Immune Response and Gut Systems. Frontiers in Microbiology, 11, 219. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2020.00219