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Akkermansia muciniphila Alleviates Sarcopenia in Senescence-Accelerated Mouse-Prone 8 Mice
So-Hyun Park1,2, Hee Soo Kim1,2, Pyeong Geun Choi1,2
1Aging and Metabolism Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Akkermansia muciniphila, an intestinal bacterium, has garnered attention for its association with metabolic health and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its potential role in mitigating sarcopenia, particularly in the senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8 (SAMP8) model, remains unexplored. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential effects of A. muciniphila supplementation on sarcopenia and its underlying mechanisms. Seven-month-old SAMP8 mice were administered A. muciniphila for 3 months. A. muciniphila supplementation enhanced grip strength and skeletal muscle mass, suppressed cellular senescence, improved the balance between protein degradation and synthesis, increased total ATP, and improved mitochondrial biogenesis. Analysis of the effects of A. muciniphila on gut microbiome using 16S rRNA sequencing showed that supplementation with A. muciniphila shifted the gut microbiota composition, alleviated gut dysbiosis, preserved gut barrier integrity, and reduced the protein expression of inflammatory cytokines in the intestine. Additionally, extracellular vesicles derived from A. muciniphila promoted myogenesis and suppressed dexamethasone-induced atrophy in C2C12 myoblasts. These findings suggest that supplementation with A. muciniphila mitigates sarcopenia by suppressing inflammation and improving the gut microenvironment, highlighting the potential of A. muciniphila as a new therapeutic candidate to treat sarcopenia.
Insights
Akkermansia muciniphila supplementation improved muscle strength and mass in aged mice. This gut bacterium also reduced inflammation and enhanced the gut microbiome, suggesting its potential for treating sarcopenia.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gerontology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Akkermansia muciniphila is linked to metabolic health and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Its role in mitigating sarcopenia, particularly in the senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8 (SAMP8) model, is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of A. muciniphila supplementation on sarcopenia in SAMP8 mice.
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms of A. muciniphila's action on muscle health and the gut.
Main Methods:
- Seven-month-old SAMP8 mice were supplemented with A. muciniphila for 3 months.
- Assessed grip strength, skeletal muscle mass, cellular senescence, protein metabolism, ATP levels, and mitochondrial biogenesis.
- Analyzed gut microbiota composition via 16S rRNA sequencing and measured inflammatory cytokine expression.
- Investigated the effects of A. muciniphila-derived extracellular vesicles on C2C12 myoblasts.
Main Results:
- A. muciniphila supplementation enhanced grip strength and skeletal muscle mass.
- It suppressed cellular senescence, improved protein synthesis/degradation balance, increased ATP, and boosted mitochondrial biogenesis.
- Microbiota analysis revealed shifts in composition, alleviated gut dysbiosis, preserved gut barrier integrity, and reduced inflammatory cytokine expression.
- Extracellular vesicles promoted myogenesis and inhibited dexamethasone-induced atrophy in myoblasts.
Conclusions:
- A. muciniphila supplementation effectively mitigates sarcopenia in the SAMP8 mouse model.
- The benefits are linked to reduced inflammation and improved gut microenvironment.
- A. muciniphila shows promise as a therapeutic agent for sarcopenia.
