Akkermansia muciniphila reduces Porphyromonas gingivalis‐induced inflammation and periodontal bone destruction

Abstract Aim Akkermansia muciniphila is a beneficial gut commensal, whose anti‐inflammatory properties have recently been demonstrated. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of A. muciniphila on Porphyromonas gingivalis elicited inflammation. Material and Methods In lean and obese mice, A. muciniphila was administered in P. gingivalis ‐induced calvarial abscess and in experimental periodontitis model (EIP). Bone destruction and inflammation were evaluated by histomorphometric analysis. In vitro, A. muciniphila was co‐cultured with P. gingivalis, growth and virulence factor expression was evaluated. Bone marrow macrophages (BMMϕ) and gingival epithelial cells (TIGK) were exposed to both bacterial strains, and the expression of inflammatory mediators, as well as tight junction markers, was analysed. Results In a model of calvarial infection, A. muciniphila decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and bone destruction. In EIP, treatment with A. muciniphila resulted in a decreased alveolar bone loss. In vitro, the addition of A. muciniphila to P. gingivalis ‐infected BMMϕ increased anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 and decreased IL‐12. Additionally, A. muciniphila exposure increases the expression of junctional integrity markers such as integrin‐β1, E‐cadherin and ZO‐1 in TIGK cells. A. muciniphila co‐culture with P. gingivalis reduced gingipains mRNA expression. Discussion This study demonstrated the protective effects of A. muciniphila administration and may open consideration to its use as an adjunctive therapeutic agent to periodontal treatment.