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Separation and Differential Characterization of Gut Microbial Extracellular Vesicles in Salt-Sensitive Rats under High-Salt Diet Conditions
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Akkermansia muciniphila extracellular vesicles have a protective effect against hypertension

Jee Young Kim1,2,3,4, Cheong-Wun Kim1,2,3,4, Su Young Oh5

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea.

Hypertension Research : Official Journal of the Japanese Society of Hypertension
|March 20, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Akkermansia muciniphila extracellular vesicles (AmEVs) show promise in treating hypertension by increasing T regulatory cells and reducing inflammation, without adverse effects. AmEVs may offer a novel therapeutic approach for hypertension management.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Cardiovascular Science

Background:

  • Akkermansansia muciniphila (Am) is recognized for its probiotic benefits in metabolic syndrome.
  • The precise mechanisms underlying Am's therapeutic effects, particularly in hypertension, require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the protective effects of Am extracellular vesicles (AmEVs) against hypertension.
  • To elucidate the underlying immunological mechanisms of AmEVs in hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • AmEVs were purified and characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and SDS-PAGE.
  • Organ bath studies assessed AmEVs' effects on vascular contraction and relaxation.
  • In vivo studies involved weekly tail vein injections of AmEVs into Wistar-Kyoto rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats over 4 weeks.
  • Immunological analyses included flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and Western blot on PBMCs and splenocytes.

Main Results:

  • AmEVs did not directly affect vascular contraction or endothelial relaxation in thoracic aortas.
  • AmEVs demonstrated a protective effect against hypertension development in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
  • Treatment with AmEVs led to an increased population of T regulatory cells and a trend towards reduced proinflammatory cytokines.
  • No serious adverse reactions were observed in the AmEVs-treated rats.

Conclusions:

  • Am extracellular vesicles possess a protective effect against hypertension.
  • AmEVs modulate immune responses by increasing T regulatory cells and decreasing proinflammatory cytokines.
  • AmEVs represent a potential novel therapeutic strategy for hypertension treatment.
Keywords:
Akkermansia muciniphilaExtracellular vesiclesHypertensionSpontaneous hypertensive ratsTreg cells

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