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ANTONIO SIMONE LAGANÀ

A Critical Perspective on the Supplementation of Akkermansia muciniphila: Benefits and Harms

  • Authors: Chiantera, Vito; Laganà, Antonio Simone; Basciani, Sabrina; Nordio, Maurizio; Bizzarri, Mariano
  • Publication year: 2023
  • Type: Articolo in rivista
  • OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/598613

Abstract

Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucin-degrading bacterium of the intestinal niche, exerting beneficial effects on the host metabolic profile. Accumulating evidence indicated Akkermansia as a promising therapeutic probiotic against metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, in specific intestinal microenvironments, its excessive enrichment may be not beneficial. Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Salmonella typhimurium infection or post-antibiotic reconstitution may not benefit from Akkermansia supplementation. Furthermore, using Akkermansia in patients with endocrine and gynecological disorders-such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis-that have a higher risk of developing IBD, should be critically evaluated. In addition, a cautionary note comes from the neurological field, as the gut microbiota of patients suffering from Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis exhibits a characteristic signature of Akkermansia municiphila abundance. Overall, considering these controversial points, the use of Akkermansia should be evaluated on an individual basis, avoiding risking unexpected effects.