Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2025
Murine Colitis Modeling using Dextran Sulfate Sodium DSS
Published on: January 19, 2010
Akkermansia muciniphila ONE effectively ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis in mice
Hongyan Zhang1, Yue Pan1, Ying Jiang1
1College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.
Abstract:
Akermansia muciniphila shows promise as a next-generation probiotic, however, its beneficial regulatory effects on mice ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been extensively investigated. We used an Akkermansia muciniphila strain (AKK ONE) isolated from healthy human feces to study its effect on DSS-induced colitis in mice. Our results demonstrate that AKK ONE supplementation significantly improves food intake, weight, colon length, disease activity index (DAI) score, organ index, and tissue damage of colitis mice. AKK ONE notably improved intestinal barrier integrity by significantly enhancing expression of occludin and claudin-1. Additionally, AKK ONE reduced inflammation by down-regulating IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and up-regulating IL-10. In addition to reducing excessive inflammation, AKK ONE also increased the abundance of Akkermansia and decreased the abundance of Bacteroides. Furthermore, the AKK ONE intervention markedly increased SCFAs in cecal contents. AKK ONE may be a potential therapeutic agent for improving UC, based on the findings of this study.
Insights
Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK ONE) supplementation improved gut health in mice with ulcerative colitis (UC). This next-generation probiotic reduced inflammation and enhanced intestinal barrier function, showing potential as a therapeutic agent for UC.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Gastroenterology
- Probiotic research
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
- The therapeutic potential of Akkermansia muciniphila for UC requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a specific Akkermansia muciniphila strain (AKK ONE) in a mouse model of DSS-induced colitis.
- To assess the impact of AKK ONE on intestinal barrier function, inflammation, gut microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production.
Main Methods:
- Administration of AKK ONE to mice with DSS-induced colitis.
- Assessment of clinical parameters including food intake, weight, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, and tissue damage.
- Evaluation of intestinal barrier integrity markers (occludin, claudin-1).
- Measurement of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10) and gut microbiota composition.
- Analysis of cecal SCFA levels.
Main Results:
- AKK ONE supplementation significantly improved clinical outcomes in colitis mice, including weight gain, colon length, and reduced DAI scores.
- AKK ONE enhanced intestinal barrier integrity by increasing occludin and claudin-1 expression.
- AKK ONE modulated the immune response by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10.
- AKK ONE altered gut microbiota composition, increasing Akkermansia abundance and decreasing Bacteroides, and elevated SCFA levels in cecal contents.
Conclusions:
- Akkermansia muciniphila strain AKK ONE demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for ulcerative colitis in a mouse model.
- AKK ONE improves intestinal barrier function, reduces inflammation, and positively modulates gut microbiota and SCFA production.
- AKK ONE represents a promising next-generation probiotic for the management of ulcerative colitis.
