Akkermansia muciniphila postbiotic administration mitigates choline-induced plasma Trimethylamine-N-Oxide production in mice

Background

Trimethylamine-N-Oxide (TMAO) is believed to be linked to increased likelihood of cardiovascular disease. While probiotics have shown limited effectiveness in reducing TMAO levels, the potential of postbiotics remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) postbiotic administration on choline-induced TMAO production in mice by modifying the gut microbiota.

Methods

Female C57BL/6J mice were divided into six groups, including a control group, high-choline diet group, live A. muciniphila probiotic group, pasteurized A. muciniphila postbiotic group, sodium butyrate group, and sodium propionate group. Various measurements and analyses were conducted, including TMAO and TMA levels in serum, urine, and cecal contents, as well as the expression of FXR and FMO3 in liver tissues. Additionally, metabolic parameters, body weight, serum lipid profile, hepatic protein expression (FMO3, FXR, CutC, and CutD), and gut microbiota composition were assessed.

Results

Administration of A. muciniphila postbiotic significantly reduced choline-induced plasma TMAO levels in mice. Furthermore, improvements in serum lipid profiles and liver enzyme levels suggested potential enhancements in lipid metabolism and liver function. The study also observed modulation of specific proteins related to TMAO production and metabolism, including CutC and CutD.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the potential of A. muciniphila postbiotics as a dietary strategy for mitigating cardiovascular disease risk by modulating the gut-TMAO axis. Postbiotics, particularly A. muciniphila, offer advantages over probiotics and warrant further investigation for their therapeutic applications in gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders.

Graphical Abstract