Akkermansia Muciniphila supplementation improves hyperlipidemia, cardiac function, and gut microbiota in high fat fed apolipoprotein E–deficient mice

Hyperlipidemia, obesity and gut dysbiosis are pivotal risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD). Supplementation of Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK) has also been proven to be effective in the prevention and treatment of obesity and other metabolic disorders. Here we found that AKK was more abundant in healthy control than ACVD patients via metagenomic sequencing on fecal samples. Subsequently, we investigated the role and underlying mechanism of AKK on obesity-associated atherosclerosis. AKK intervention partially reversed the exacerbation of atherosclerotic lesion formation in ApoE^-/- mice by improving dyslipidemia. Interestingly, replenishment with AKK significantly enhanced cardiac function and reduced the body weight. It also reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and increased anti-inflammatory IL-10 in the circulation. Additionally, AKK colonization dramatically regulated gut microbiota and increased the abundance of Lactobacillaceae. Our findings have provided novel insights into the therapeutic potential of AKK as a beneficial microbe for treating atherosclerotic-associated cardiovascular diseases.