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Akkermansia muciniphila Alleviates Enterococcus faecalis-Exacerbated Alcoholic Liver Injury by Modulating Gut
Xin Sui1, Songhui Feng2, Weitao Wang2
1School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Cytolysin-positive Enterococcus faecalis worsens alcoholic hepatitis by damaging the liver and gut. Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk11) offers protection by improving gut barrier function and restoring microbial balance.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Enterococcus faecalis is a key pathogen in severe alcoholic hepatitis.
- Mechanisms of E. faecalis pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- Clarify pathogenic effects of E. faecalis in acute alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD).
- Assess protective potential of Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk11) against E. faecalis.
Main Methods:
- Mouse model of acute ethanol gavage.
- Administration of E. faecalis and/or Akk11.
- Assessment of liver injury, histopathology, lipid profiles, cytokines, gut barrier, and microbiota.
Main Results:
- E. faecalis exacerbated ethanol-induced liver injury and gut dysbiosis, enriching Helicobacter typhlonius.
- Akk11 alleviated liver injury, reduced lipid accumulation and oxidative stress, and improved gut barrier function.
- Prophylactic Akk11 was superior, normalizing microbiota and suppressing H. typhlonius.
Conclusions:
- E. faecalis plays a pathogenic role in acute ALD.
- Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk11) is a promising microbiota-targeted therapy for ALD.
- Akk11 protects against liver injury by reinforcing the gut barrier and modulating microbiota.
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