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Cited by 708Gut microbiota and healthProbiotics and Fermented FoodsMicrobial Metabolites in Food Biotechnology

Akkermansia muciniphila is a promising probiotic

Open access
Zhang, Ting, Li, Qianqian, Cheng, Lei, Buch, Heena, Zhang, Faming·2019·Microbial Biotechnology
DOI 10.1111/1751-7915.13410PMC PMC6801136
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Abstract

Summary: Akkermansia muciniphila ( A. muciniphila ), an intestinal symbiont colonizing in the mucosal layer, is considered to be a promising candidate as probiotics. A. muciniphila is known to have an important value in improving the host metabolic functions and immune responses. Moreover, A. muciniphila may have a value in modifying cancer treatment. However, most of the current researches focus on the correlation between A. muciniphila and diseases, and little is known about the causal relationship between them. Few intervention studies on A. muciniphila are limited to animal experiments, and limited studies have explored its safety and efficacy in humans. Therefore, a critical analysis of the current knowledge in A. muciniphila will play an important foundation for it to be defined as a new beneficial microbe. This article will review the bacteriological characteristics and safety of A. muciniphila , as well as its causal relationship with metabolic disorders, immune diseases and cancer therapy.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This review argues that *Akkermansia muciniphila* is a promising next-generation probiotic because of its mucin-degrading lifestyle and links to metabolic, immune, and cancer-therapy outcomes. It stresses that most evidence remains correlational or animal-based, with limited human safety and efficacy data.

Key findings

  • *A. muciniphila* is a strict anaerobe, gram-negative, non-motile mucin degrader that colonizes the gut within 1 year after birth, accounts for 1–4% of total gut microbiota from early life, and decreases in the elderly.
  • Safety data are preliminary: no adverse events occurred when *A. muciniphila* reached 60% abundance after broad-spectrum antibiotics, and an ongoing clinical study reported that live and pasteurized *A. muciniphila* were tolerated and safe in overweight subjects after 2-week oral administration.
  • In metabolic studies, baseline *A. muciniphila* abundance was negatively correlated with fasting blood glucose, waist-to-hip ratio, and subcutaneous fat cell diameter; subjects with high baseline abundance had improved insulin sensitivity after limiting energy intake.
  • In cancer therapy, *A. muciniphila* was increased in patients responding to PD-1 blockade, and oral supplementation restored anti-PD-1 efficacy in mice after faecal microbiota transplantation from non-responders; pasteurized *A. muciniphila* and its outer membrane protein Amuc_1100 also showed beneficial metabolic effects.

Methods

  • Narrative review of bacteriological characteristics, safety, pathogenicity, antibiotic resistance, and effects of *A. muciniphila* on host health and disease.
  • Synthesizes human observational and interventional studies and animal intervention studies, summarized in Tables 1–3, alongside culturing, colonization, and mechanistic literature.
  • No systematic search strategy, meta-analysis, or primary data collection is reported.

Limitations

  • The paper states that most current research focuses on correlation between *A. muciniphila* and diseases, with little known about causality; few intervention studies are limited to animal experiments, and limited studies have explored safety and efficacy in humans.
  • The paper states that there are no published open clinical trials of *A. muciniphila* in humans, that the exact mechanism of host interaction remains unknown, and that products containing *A. muciniphila* are not currently available worldwide.
  • Evident from the text: as a narrative review, it lacks a systematic search strategy, inclusion criteria, or risk-of-bias assessment, and the cited tables include small samples and conflicting findings, such as *A. muciniphila* being elevated in some colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes studies but reduced in others.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1111/1751-7915.13410

Cites

93 of 93 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 115 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Interpretationreasoning
    § Akkermansia muciniphila is a promising probiotic

    A. muciniphila is a promising probiotic.

    “Akkermansia muciniphila is a promising probiotic”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Interpretationnone given

    A. muciniphila has important value in improving host metabolic functions and immune responses.

    “A. muciniphila is known to have an important value in improving the host metabolic functions and immune responses.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Interpretationcitation

    A. muciniphila may have value in modifying cancer treatment.

    “Moreover, A. muciniphila may have a value in modifying cancer treatment.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Routy et al., 2018

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Premisecitation

    A. muciniphila is affected by nutrients in the mucus layer located close to the intestinal epithelium.

    “This mucin degrader is affected by the nutrients in the mucus layer located at a close distance to the intestinal epithelial (Belkaid and Hand, 2014).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Belkaid and Hand, 2014

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Premisecitation

    Both live and pasteurized A. muciniphila were tolerated and safe in individuals with excess body weight after 2-week oral administration.

    “Both live and pasteurized A. muciniphila were observed to be tolerated and safe in individuals with excess body weight after 2‐week oral administration of A. muciniphila.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Plovier et al., 2017

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 12
  • May combine two claims. 35

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Few intervention studies on A. muciniphila are limited to animal experiments, and limited studies have explored its safety and efficacy in humans.

    “Few intervention studies on A. muciniphila are limited to animal experiments, and limited studies have explored its safety and efficacy in humans.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Most current research focuses on correlation between A. muciniphila and diseases, and little is known about the causal relationship between them.

    “However, most of the current researches focus on the correlation between A. muciniphila and diseases, and little is known about the causal relationship between them.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Currently there are no published open clinical trials of A. muciniphila for humans, resulting in a lack of strong evidence on its safety in humans.

    “Currently, there are no published open clinical trials of A. muciniphila for humans and therefore resulting in a lack of strong evidence on the safety of A. muciniphila in humans.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A. muciniphila can degrade mucin and exert competitive inhibition on other pathogenic bacteria that degrade mucin.

    “Further analysis confirmed A. muciniphila can degrade mucin and exert competitive inhibition on other pathogenic bacteria that degrade the mucin (Belzer and de Vos, 2012).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Belzer and de Vos, 2012

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A. muciniphila is a strict anaerobe that uses mucin as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen.

    “Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) is a strict anaerobe recently isolated from human faeces and uses the mucin as the sole sources of carbon and nitrogen elements (Derrien et al., 2004).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Derrien et al., 2004

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A. muciniphila regulates metabolic and immune functions and protects mice from high-fat diets.

    “A series of studies have revealed that A. muciniphila regulated metabolic and immune functions, thus protecting mice from high‐fat diets (Derrien et al., 2011; Everard et al., 2013).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Derrien et al., 2011

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Everard et al., 2013

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A. muciniphila contains lipopolysaccharide but is not associated with endotoxemia.

    “Akkermansia muciniphila, as a gram‐negative bacterium, contains lipopolysaccharide, but it is not associated with endotoxemia.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Colonization of A. muciniphila in sterile mice did not cause side-effects or upregulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

    “From a genetic point of view, colonization of A. muciniphila in sterile mice did not cause side‐effects or the upregulated expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (Derrien et al., 2011).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Derrien et al., 2011

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The genome of A. muciniphila strain MucT involves one circular chromosome of 2.66 Mbp, sharing 29% of genes with its closest relatives in Verrucomicrobia.

    “The genome of A. muciniphila strain MucT (=ATCC BAA‐835T=CIP 107961T) involves one circular chromosome of 2.66 Mbp, which shared a limited number of genes (29%) with its closest relatives in the Verrucomicrobia phylum (van Passel et al., 2011).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites van Passel et al., 2011

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    Premisecitation

    Microorganisms on the surface of the intestinal mucosa contribute more to host immunity, and A. muciniphila is a typical representative.

    “Microorganisms on the surface of the intestinal mucosa are known to contribute more to host immunity, and A. muciniphila is a typical representative (Nieuwdorp et al., 2014).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Nieuwdorp et al., 2014

      Not checked in the free run.

    • Rests on an assumption: A. muciniphila colonizes the sparse mucus layer and is closer to intestinal epithelial cells than other microorganisms in the intestinal lumen.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A. muciniphila is one of the top 20 most abundant species detectable in the human gut.

    “Previous phylogenetic and metagenomic studies based on hundreds of subjects have found that A. muciniphila is one of the top 20 most abundant species detectable in the human gut (Collado et al., 2007, 2012; Qin et al., 2010; Arumugam et al., 2011; Thomas et al., 2014; Drell et al., 2015).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Collado et al., 2007

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    • cites Qin et al., 2010

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    • cites Drell et al., 2015

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A. muciniphila can tolerate low levels of oxygen, with an oxygen reduction capacity of 2.26 ± 0.99 mU mg−1 total protein.

    “Akkermansia muciniphila was originally classified as a strictly anaerobic bacterium, but a recent study found that it can tolerate low levels of oxygen, with an oxygen reduction capacity to be 2.26 ± 0.99 mU mg−1 total protein (Ouwerkerk, et al., (2017b).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ouwerkerk et al., 2017b

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A. muciniphila can stably colonize the human gut within 1 year after birth, reaching adult levels, but gradually decreases in the elderly.

    “This bacterium can stably colonize the human gut within 1 year after birth, and its abundance in the gut eventually reaches the same level as that in healthy adults (Collado et al., 2007; Derrien et al., 2008), but gradually decreases in the elderly (Collado et al., 2007).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Collado et al., 2007

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Derrien et al., 2008

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A. muciniphila can successfully colonize the gastrointestinal tract of newborn infants with an active acid resistance system and ability to degrade human milk oligosaccharides.

    “At this life stage, A. muciniphila can successfully colonize the gastrointestinal tract with the active acid resistance system and the ability to degrade human milk oligosaccharides in newborn infants’ stomach (Bosscher et al., 2001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bosscher et al., 2001

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    To date, there is no evidence that A. muciniphila alone causes pathogenicity, but it is not known whether it may cause diseases in synergy with other bacteria.

    “To date, there is no evidence that A. muciniphila alone causes pathogenicity; nevertheless, it is not known whether it may cause diseases in synergy with other bacteria.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premiseown data

    A. muciniphila is a bacterium of oval shape, strictly anaerobic, non-motile, gram-negative, and forms no endospores.

    “Akkermansia muciniphila is a bacterium of oval shape, strictly anaerobic, non‐motile and gram‐negative and forms no endospores (Fig. 1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Fig. 1

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A. muciniphila has high genetic diversity, with 5644 unique proteins assembling a flexible open pangenome.

    “Recently, Guo et al. (2017) reported a high genetic diversity of A. muciniphila by whole‐genome sequencing, with 5644 unique proteins assembling a flexible open pangenome.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Guo et al., 2017

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    GlcN6P exists in mucin, prompts adaptation to the mucosal niche, and is a necessity for A. muciniphila.

    “They found that glucosamine‐6‐phosphate (GlcN6P), which exists in the mucin and prompts the adaptation to the mucosal niche, is a necessity for A. muciniphila.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites van der Ark et al., 2018

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A. muciniphila is classified into three species-level phylogroups with different functional features.

    “They further classified A. muciniphila into three species‐level phylogroups, which demonstrated different function features.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Guo et al., 2017

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Treatment with A. muciniphila should be safe with a rationale.

    “Hence, we suggest that treatment with A. muciniphila should be safe with a rationale.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Propionic acid can act on the host through Gpr43, while other short-chain fatty acids act through Gpr41, causing downstream pathway changes to achieve immunomodulatory effects.

    “Propionic acid can act on the host through Gpr43 (G protein‐coupled receptor 43), while other short‐chain fatty acids through Gpr41, thus causing a series of downstream pathway changes to achieve immunomodulatory effects (Le Poul et al., 2003; Maslowski et al., 2009).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Le Poul et al., 2003

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Maslowski et al., 2009

      Not checked in the free run.

    • Rests on an assumption: Its metabolites, such as propionic acid, are present in the mucus layer close to intestinal epithelial cells and are easily accessible to the host.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A. muciniphila is the first member and only representative of the phylum Verrucomicrobia in the human gut.

    “Akkermansia muciniphila is the first member and the only representative of the phylum Verrucomicrobia in the human gut (Miller and Hoskins, 1981; Derrien et al., 2010), which is relatively easy to detect (Rajilic‐Stojanovic and de Vos, 2014).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Miller and Hoskins, 1981

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    • cites Derrien et al., 2010

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A. muciniphila participates in host immune regulation and enhances integrity of intestinal epithelial cells and thickness of the mucus layer, thereby promoting intestinal health.

    “Akkermansia muciniphila not only participates in the host immune regulation, but also enhances the integrity of the intestinal epithelial cells and the thickness of the mucus layer, thereby promoting intestinal health (Everard et al., 2013; Reunanen et al., 2015).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Everard et al., 2013

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Reunanen et al., 2015

      Not checked in the free run.

    • Rests on an assumption: A low level of A. muciniphila in the intestine may result in thinning of the mucosa, leading to weakened intestinal barrier function and easier toxin invasion.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A. muciniphila is ubiquitous in the guts of healthy adults and infants and accounts for 1-4% of the total gut microbiota starting from early life.

    “It is found to be ubiquitous in the guts of healthy adults and infants, and accounts for 1–4% of the total gut microbiota starting from early life (Derrien et al., 2008).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Derrien et al., 2008

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A. muciniphila as a mucin-degrading agent mainly stays in the outer mucosal layer and does not reach the inner mucosal layer, while bacteria reaching the inner layer are required for pathogenicity.

    “Unlike pathogens, A. muciniphila as a mucin‐degrading agent mainly stays in the outer mucosal layer and does not reach the inner mucosal layer, but bacteria reaching the inner layer have been shown to be required for pathogenicity (Gomez‐Gallego et al., 2016).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Gomez-Gallego et al., 2016

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    Premisecitation

    The synthetic medium cultures A. muciniphila at the same efficiency as mucin medium while avoiding compounds incompatible with humans.

    “This synthetic medium is capable of culturing A. muciniphila at the same efficiency as the mucin medium, while avoiding all compounds that are incompatible with humans.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Plovier et al., 2017

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    Premisecitation

    Pasteurized A. muciniphila can also prevent obesity and related complications, with effectiveness even better than live bacteria.

    “Unexpectedly, a recent study showed that pasteurized A. muciniphila can also prevent obesity and related complications, with the effectiveness be even better than live bacteria (Plovier et al., 2017).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Plovier et al., 2017

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  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    A. muciniphila can regulate the host's metabolism and immune function.

    “Consequently, A. muciniphila can regulate the host's metabolism and immune function.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The negative correlation between A. muciniphila and colorectal cancer might be associated with confounders such as diet and medication.

    “This negative correlation might be associated with some confounders such as diet and medication.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Amuc_1100 could activate TLR2 and TLR4 to increase IL-10 production and thus regulate immune response and intestinal barrier function.

    “Consistent with this finding, Ottman et al. (2017a,b) also found that Amuc_1100 could activate TLR2 and TLR4 to increase IL‐10 production and thus regulating immune response and intestinal barrier function”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ottman et al. (2017a,b)

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Whole transcriptome analysis of intestinal tissue samples showed that A. muciniphila regulated the expression of approximately 750 genes, with changes mainly in immune-response genes.

    “The whole transcriptome analysis of intestinal tissue samples indicated that A. muciniphila regulated the expression of approximately 750 genes, with the changes mainly focused on genes associated with immune responses.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Derrien et al., 2011

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A. muciniphila exerts the effect of preventing and treating obesity, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic dysfunctions.

    “Akkermansia muciniphila is abundant in the gut microbiota of healthy individuals and exerts the effect of preventing and treating obesity, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic dysfunctions (Png et al., 2010, Santacruz et al., 2010; Karlsson et al., 2012; Everard et al., 2013; Zhang et al., 2013).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Png et al., 2010

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    • cites Santacruz et al., 2010

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    • cites Karlsson et al., 2012

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisereasoning

    In vivo, A. muciniphila colonized sterile mice, and effective colonization was highest in the caecum.

    “In vivo, A. muciniphila was colonized in sterile mice and the effective colonization was highest in the caecum (Derrien et al., 2011).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Derrien et al., 2011

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A. muciniphila regulated the expression of 1005 genes in intestinal tissue, of which 503 were upregulated and 502 were downregulated.

    “A. muciniphila regulated the expression of 1005 genes in intestinal tissue, of which 503 genes were upregulated and 502 genes were down‐regulated.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Lukovac et al., 2014

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A. muciniphila can significantly increase glucose tolerance and attenuate adipose inflammation in obese mice by inducing Foxp3 regulatory T cells.

    “Akkermansia muciniphila can significantly increase glucose tolerance and attenuate adipose inflammation in obese mice by inducing Foxp3 regulatory T cells (Shin et al., 2014).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Shin et al., 2014

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Fasting is reported to be involved in increasing the level of A. muciniphila.

    “while fasting is reported to be involved in increasing the level of A. muciniphila (Remely et al., 2015a,b).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Remely et al., 2015a,b

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Amuc_1100 was stable during pasteurization and interacted with Toll-like receptor 2 to improve intestinal barrier function and perform part of the probiotic function alone.

    “Amuc_1100 was stable during pasteurization and interacted with Toll‐like receptor 2 to improve intestinal barrier function and to perform part of the probiotic function alone.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Plovier et al., 2017

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    Premisecitation

    After gavage with faecal material from responding patient donors, improved tumour control and better efficacy of immunotherapy was observed in a mouse melanoma model.

    “After gavaged with faecal material from responding patient donors, improved tumour control and better efficacy of immunotherapy was observed in a mouse melanoma model.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Matson et al. (2018)

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    Premisecitation

    AmEVs could regulate intestinal immunity and homeostasis and exert protective effects in the development of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice.

    “Kang et al. (2013) recently found that AmEVs could regulate intestinal immunity and homeostasis and exert protective effects in the development of dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis in mice.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kang et al. (2013)

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  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationcitation

    Cancer immunotherapy combined with A. muciniphila as one of important probiotics in selective microbiota transplantation is expected to achieve better clinical results for patients in the near future.

    “The above results indicate that cancer immunotherapy combined with A. muciniphila as one of important probiotics in selective microbiota transplantation (Wu et al., 2019) is expected to achieve better clinical results for patients in the near future.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Wu et al., 2019

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    After ICI-associated colitis was successfully treated with FMT, donor-derived bacteria were effectively colonized in the patient's intestinal tract, with an obviously higher level of A. muciniphila.

    “After ICI‐associated colitis in the patient was successfully treated with FMT, donor‐derived bacteria were observed to be effectively colonized in the patient's intestinal tract, with an obviously higher level of A. muciniphila.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Wang et al. (2018a,b)

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41 of 41

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Products containing A. muciniphila are currently not available worldwide.

    “However, products containing A. muciniphila are currently not available worldwide.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The exact mechanism underlying how A. muciniphila interacts with the host remains unknown.

    “The exact mechanism underlying A. muciniphila interacts with host remains unknown.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    A. muciniphila is abundant in the host intestinal mucosal layer, with the largest number in the caecum.

    “Akkermansia muciniphila is abundant in the host intestinal mucosal layer, with a largest number in the caecum.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    A low level of A. muciniphila in the intestine may result in thinning of the mucosa, leading to weakened intestinal barrier function and easier toxin invasion.

    “A low level of A. muciniphila in the intestine may result in the thinning of the mucosa, thus leading to a weakening of the intestinal barrier function, and making it easier for the toxins to invade the host.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The level of mucin in the intestine of rats fed with arabinose or inulin was significantly increased, and this change contributed to the abundance of A. muciniphila.

    “The level of mucin in the intestine of rats fed with arabinose or inulin was significantly increased, and this change also contributed to the abundance of A. muciniphila.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    A. muciniphila colonizes the sparse mucus layer and is closer to intestinal epithelial cells than other microorganisms in the intestinal lumen.

    “A. muciniphila was colonized in the sparse mucus layer, and it therefore was closer to the intestinal epithelial cells than other microorganisms colonized in the intestinal lumen.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Its metabolites, such as propionic acid, are present in the mucus layer close to intestinal epithelial cells and are easily accessible to the host.

    “Its metabolites, such as propionic acid, were also present in the mucus layer close to the intestinal epithelial cells and were easily accessible to the host.”
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Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Hamster study groups are labeled as mice

    Minor

    The Sonoyama et al. (2009) row identifies the subjects as Syrian hamsters, but labels all three study groups as mice.

  • Fasting is said to increase abundance, but the cited human table shows a decrease

    Minor

    The narrative cites Remely et al. as evidence that fasting increases A. muciniphila, whereas the Remely fasting row in Table 1 reports higher abundance before fasting than during fasting.

  • Kim intervention is named differently within the same table row

    Minor

    Table 1 describes the intervention as ingestion of Ephedra but describes samples as collected before and after ingestion of Casuarina.

3 of 3

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Authors
Zhang, T., Li, Q., Cheng, L., Buch, H., & Zhang, F.
Affiliations
  • Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (CN)
  • Biogas Institute of Ministry of Agriculture (CN)
Corresponding author
Zhang, Faming
ORCID
Venue
Microbial Biotechnology
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2019-04-21
Volume
12
Issue
6
Pages
1109-1125
ISSN
1751-7915 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1111/1751-7915.13410
PMC
PMC6801136
OpenAlex
W2941578712
Cited by
708
References
93
Citations by year
2026: 57 · 2025: 105 · 2024: 130 · 2023: 134 · 2022: 133 · 2021: 87 · 2020: 52 · 2019: 10
FWCI
6.23
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Microbial Biotechnology (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Funders
National Natural Science Foundation of China (81873548)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Gut microbiota and health
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Probiotics and Fermented Foods
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Microbial Metabolites in Food Biotechnology
Keywords
Akkermansia muciniphila, probiotics, gut microbiota, intestinal symbionts, mucosal colonization, host metabolism, immune response, cancer therapy, metabolic disorders, immune disorders, probiotic safety
MeSH terms
Akkermansia, Animals, Humans, Immunologic Factors, Intestinal Mucosa, Probiotics, Verrucomicrobia

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-07.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-07.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

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