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Updated: Jul 26, 2025
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Analyses of Murine Intestinal Microbiota After Oral Antibiotic Treatment
Published on: November 17, 2018
Akkermansia muciniphila Protects Against Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Mice
Shenyin Liu1, Suying Zhao2, Zhiwei Cheng1
1Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Probiotics are used to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) via the restoration of the gut microbiota. However, the precise effects of Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk), which is a promising probiotics, on AAD are unknown. Here, AAD models were established via the administration of lincomycin and ampicillin with or without pasteurized Akk or Amuc_1100 treatment. A diffusion test revealed that Akk was susceptible to the majority of the antibiotics, such as ampicillin. These effects were confirmed by the reduced Akk abundance in AAD model mice. Pasteurized Akk or Amuc_1100 significantly decreased the diarrhea status score and colon injury of AAD model mice. Additionally, these treatments significantly decreased the relative abundance of Citrobacter at genus level and reshaped the metabolic function of gut microbiota. Notably, pasteurized Akk or Amuc_1100 significantly changed the serum metabolome of AAD model mice. In addition, pasteurized Akk or Amuc_1100 suppressed intestinal inflammation by upregulating the expression of GPR109A and SLC5A8 and downregulating the expression of TNFα, IFNγ, IL1β, and IL6. Furthermore, they enhanced water and electrolyte absorption by upregulating AQP4, SLC26A3, and NHE3. Pasteurized Akk or Amuc_1100 also restored intestinal barrier function by ameliorating the downregulation of ZO-1, OCLN, CLDN4, and Muc2 in AAD model mice. In summary, optimizing intestinal health with pasteurized Akk or Amuc_1100 may serve as an approach for preventing AAD.
Insights
Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk) effectively prevents antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) by restoring gut microbiota balance and enhancing intestinal barrier function. This probiotic shows promise for managing AAD symptoms and improving gut health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Probiotics aim to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) by restoring gut microbiota.
- The specific impact of Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk) on AAD remains unclear.
- Akkermansia muciniphila is a promising probiotic candidate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila on antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
- To evaluate Akkermansia muciniphila's impact on gut microbiota composition and function in AAD models.
- To assess Akkermansia muciniphila's influence on intestinal inflammation, barrier function, and water absorption.
Main Methods:
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) models were induced using lincomycin and ampicillin.
- Mice were treated with pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk) or Amuc_1100.
- Gut microbiota composition, serum metabolome, gene expression, and intestinal morphology were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Pasteurized Akk or Amuc_1100 significantly reduced diarrhea and colon injury in AAD models.
- Treatments decreased Citrobacter abundance and reshaped gut microbiota metabolic functions.
- Pasteurized Akk or Amuc_1100 modulated serum metabolome, suppressed intestinal inflammation, enhanced water absorption, and restored intestinal barrier function.
Conclusions:
- Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk) demonstrates significant protective effects against antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
- Akk treatment normalizes gut microbiota, reduces inflammation, and improves intestinal barrier integrity.
- Optimizing intestinal health with Akkermansia muciniphila presents a viable strategy for AAD prevention.
