Akkermansia

Akkermansia muciniphila, a key element in the gut microbiome. plays a crucial role in both longevity and metabolism. Studies have revealed that Akkermansia not only contributes to longevity by promoting gut health and immune resilience but also plays an important role in optimizing metabolism.'1,2,3 The primary manner in which Akkermansia is involved in longevity is the role it plays in creating an ideal environment in the gut. This, ultimately, lends to its impact on metabolism, specifically the production of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a specialized hormone which serves as a central player in metabolic health.4 At its core, the role of Akkermansia in promoting longevity is driven by this optimization of metabolism via GLP-1.

GUT HEALTH AND LONGEVITY 

Akkermansia muciniphila has been shown to play an important role in promoting gut health, and thus, longevity through multiple mechanisms. First, Akkermansia muciniphila thrives on mucin and utilizes it as a source of energy. As Akkermansia consumes mucin, it stimulates the production of additional mucin by epithelial cells. This process of "mucin making" leads to the reinforcement of the intestinal wall. which is essential for maintaining gut health and overall well-being.5 Additionally, Akkermansia has been shown to promote short chain fatty acids, which further support the gut's immune defenses by inhibiting the invasion of potentially harmful bacteria.6 These combined effects create an environment conducive to a balanced gut microbiota and optimal gut function. which are key factors in supporting longevity and overall well-being.

METABOLISM AND GLP-1 PRODUCTION 

In terms of metabolic optimization. Akkermansia muciniphila demonstrates remarkable capabilities, particularly in increasing the production of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is an incretin hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating glucose metabolism and insulin secretion.• Akkermansia promotes GLP-1 production through several pathways. First, it stimulates enteroendocrine cells in the gut to release GLP-1 in response to nutrient intake. Second. when Akkermansia provides aid to gut barrier function, it has the potential to mitigate metabolic endotoxemia, which can further stimulate GLP-1 secretion. Finally, as mentioned previously, Akkermansia produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate during fermentation, which have been shown to support healthy GLP-1 levels.6 The collective impact of these mechanisms results in the body's ability to support glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity·7•8 as well as overall metabolic regulation, ultimately allowing for healthier fat metabolism and more effective means to achieving lean body composition and browning white fat.

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6. Rodrigues VF, Elias-Oliveira J, Pereira fs. Pereira JA. Barbosa SC, Machado MSG, Carlos D. Front lmmunol. 2022 Jul 7;13:934695.

7. Depommier C., Everard A., Druart C .. Plovier H .. V an Hui M .. Vieira-Silva S., Fa/ony G .. Raes J., Maiter D., Delzenne N.M .. et al. Nat. Med. 2019;25:1096-1103.

8. Wang z. Cui S, Zhang T. Wang W, Li J, Chen YQ. Zhu SI. mSystems. 2023 Oct 26;8(5):e0057323.

9. Everard A., Belzer C., Geurts L, Ouwerkerk J.P ., Druart C., Binde/s LB., Guiot Y ., Derrien M., Muccioli G.G., Delzenne N.M., et al. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 2013;110:9066-9071.

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