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Published on: July 27, 2022

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
PubMed

Insights

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.
Keywords:
Akkermansia muciniphilaEnterococcus faecalisalcoholic liver disease

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