| Background: Obesity as a multifactorial disorder has shown a growing trend, in recent
times. Considering the importance of obesity as a potent public health problem, finding a
novel preventive approach for the management of obesity seems crucial. In addition
to genetic and environmental factors, alteration in gut microbiota composition
and inflammation are involved in the pathogenesis of obesity. The aim of the
current study was to discuss the role of Akkermansia muciniphila in the management
of obesity.
Method: In this review article, all articles indexed in the scientific database using the
keywords A. muciniphila, inflammation, gut microbiota, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-a), overweight, and obesity were searched and discussed
between 2000 and 2018.
Results: Specific strains of gut microbiota such as A. muciniphila modify energy
homeostasis in the body. In addition to degrading mucin and providing a desirable
environment for the growth of other bacteria in the intestine, A. muciniphila participates
in the management of obesity. Indeed, A. muciniphila increases the levels of Short chain
fatty acids (SCFAs) and N-acylethanolamines as ligands of GPR41/GPR43 and G
protein-coupled receptor119 (GPR119) receptors in L-cells, respectively, such that
these receptors are involved in the various aspects of energy balance and appetite
sensation. A. muciniphila also improves the low chronic inflammation observed in
obese people through various mechanisms.
Conclusion: A. muciniphila supplementation and the use of other approaches such as
prebiotics or food components that increase the abundance of this bacterium in the gut
microbiota population could be a novel valuable approachinthemanagement of obesity. |