| Alteration in the composition of the gut microbiota can lead to a number of chronic clinical diseases. Akkermansia muciniphila
is an anaerobic bacteria constituting 3–5% of the gut microbial community in healthy adults. This bacterium is responsible for
degenerating mucin in the gut; its scarcity leads to diverse clinical disorders. In this review, we focus on the role of A. muciniphila
in diabetes, obesity and atherosclerosis, as well as the use of this bacterium as a next-generation
probiotic. In regard to obesity
and diabetes, human and animal trials have shown that A. muciniphila controls the essential regulatory system of glucose and
energy metabolism. However, the underlying mechanisms by which A. muciniphila alleviates the complications of obesity, diabetes
and atherosclerosis are unclear. At the same time, its abundance suggests improved metabolic disorders, such as metabolic
endotoxemia, adiposity insulin resistance and glucose tolerance. The role of A. muciniphila is implicated in declining aortic
lesions and atherosclerosis. Well-characterized
virulence factors, antigens and cell wall extracts of A. muciniphila may act as
effector molecules in these diseases. These molecules may provide novel mechanisms and strategies by which this bacterium
could be used as a probiotic for the treatment of obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis. |