Role of Akkermansia muciniphila in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: current knowledge and perspectives

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and a common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer. Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) is a next-generation probiotic that has been reported to improve metabolic disorders. Emerging evidence indicates the therapeutic potential of A. muciniphila for NAFLD, especially in the inflammatory stage, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Here, the current knowledge on the role of A. muciniphila in the progression of NAFLD was summarized. A. muciniphila abundancy is decreased in animals and humans with NAFLD. The recovery of A. muciniphila presented benefits in preventing hepatic fat accumulation and inflammation in NAFLD. The details of how microbes regulate hepatic immunity and lipid accumulation in NAFLD were further discussed. The modulation mechanisms by which A. muciniphila acts to improve hepatic inflammation are mainly attributed to the alleviation of inflammatory cytokines and LPS signals and the downregulation of microbiota-related innate immune cells (such as macrophages). This review provides insights into the roles of A. muciniphila in NAFLD, thereby providing a blueprint to facilitate clinical therapeutic applications.

Automated summary

This article summarizes the role of Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study found that the abundance of A. muciniphila is decreased in NAFLD patients, and its recovery can prevent hepatic fat accumulation and inflammation. Furthermore, the article discusses how microbes regulate hepatic immunity and lipid accumulation in NAFLD. The study suggests that A. muciniphila improves hepatic inflammation by modulating inflammatory cytokines and LPS signals, as well as innate immune cells related to gut microbiota.