The study, published in Microorganisms, used mice models and human cells to explore the potential of the pAKK in preeclampsia, focusing on its effects on endothelial function and metabolic regulation.
“As a postbiotic, pAKK may support existing treatments for preeclampsia by improving gut barrier function, restoring endothelial function and regulating metabolic dysregulation, offering a safer alternative to live bacteria,” the researchers at Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, China wrote.
Live bacteria such as Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK) have shown the potential to modulate the mechanisms involved in PE but may pose a risk to pregnant women.
Using a pasteurized postbiotic such as pAKK may support the gut and generate beneficial fatty to help prevent preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia complicates 2% to 8% of pregnancies globally and is a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality. The condition most commonly affects women in their third trimester, involving multiple body systems and being characterized by high blood pressure.
Studies indicate that the development of preeclampsia may involve inflammation and increased immune response, maternal infection, obesity, metabolic disorders and dysbiosis, but the mechanisms are still poorly understood.
Currently, the only treatment available is pregnancy termination, but preeclampsia may still linger after delivery.
Postbiotics
Postbiotics are a relatively recent addition to microbiota-modulating dietary interventions. The stability of postbiotics during industrial processes and storage has driven recent interest from manufacturers who can market the products to geographical regions that do not have reliable cold chains, which may cause die-off in probiotics.
The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) defines a postbiotic as a “preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host.”
Unlike probiotics, which are alive, postbiotics are non-living organisms with similar beneficial effects. Postbiotics may pose less risk to populations such as infants, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems, who may have adverse effects when consuming live bacteria.
Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK) has shown promise in enhancing gut barrier function and improving hypertension, making it a candidate for preeclampsia support. However, its live form may pose a risk.
“Compared with live bacteria, pasteurization reduces the risks associated with gut dysbiosis and infection, making pAKK a safer therapeutic option,” the study noted.
Study details
The study used a mouse model and human cell laboratory experiments to assess the effects of pAKK compared to AKK on preeclampsia, looking at endothelial function and metabolic pathways.
The findings revealed that pAKK exhibited comparable therapeutic effects to live AKK, enhancing gut barrier function and reducing endotoxemia.
In addition, PAKK promoted the formation of new blood vessels in the mouse placenta and alleviated endothelial dysfunction in human umbilical vein cells.
Metabolomic analysis showed that both AKK and pAKK modulated key metabolites and pathways, reversing the metabolic disturbances seen in preeclampsia.
The pathway analysis suggested that pAKK may alleviate symptoms through the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, which is “crucial for maintaining cell membrane fluidity and mitigating oxidative stress, both of which play significant roles in [preeclampsia] pathogenesis,” the researchers wrote.
They highlighted the importance of a balanced intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) during pregnancy.
“Furthermore, PUFAs have been recognized as a cornerstone therapy for managing hypertriglyceridemia, a condition closely associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia and vascular dysfunction.”
Source: Microorganisms
2024, 12(12), 2483; doi: 10.3390/microorganisms12122483
“Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila ameliorates preeclampsia in mice by enhancing gut barrier integrity, improving endothelial function, and modulating gut metabolic dysregulation.”
Authors: L. Peng et al.
