The effect of Akkermansia in patients with pregnancy induced hypertension

Intestinal dysbiosis in the second trimester is associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) in the first trimester. However, the consequences and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

In a follow-up cohort study, a nested case-control design was employed. Twenty healthy pregnant women in their second trimester were selected as controls, while nineteen patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension were included in the study. The 16 S rRNA sequencing was utilized to assess changes of gut microbiota patterns during early pregnancy. ELISA test was used to measure plasma inflammatory markers such as IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF alpha, IL-8 and IL-10.

The PIH group exhibited lower microbial α-diversity compared to the healthy group. Although no statistically significant difference was observed at the genus level (p = 0.05), at the phylum level, the PIH patients showed a reduced abundance of Verrucomicrobia and an increased abundance of Firmicutes (p = 0.011). Donis analysis revealed that the Gut Microbiome Health Index (GMHI) of the PIH group was significantly worse than that of the control group. Additionally, Akkermansia abundance was significantly lower in the PIH group compared to the control group. Furthermore, more pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-18 and capase-1, were produced in PIH plasma compared to the control group.

The correlation analysis between gut microbiota and cytokines in PIH patients and controls revealed that Akkermansia was positively associated with IL-18 and capase-1 levels in PIH patients.