Tight junctions expression is affected by active, inactive, and derivatives of Akkermansia muciniphila

Farinaz  Ghaderi; Zahra  Hajebrahimi; Abolfazl  Fateh; Fattah  Sotoodehnejadnematalahi; Sara Ahmadi  Badi; Somayeh  Vaezijoze; Seyed Davar  Siadat

doi:10.18502/ijm.v17i6.20355

Farinaz Ghaderi Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Zahra Hajebrahimi Air and Space Physiology Research Group, Aerospace Research Institute, Ministry of Science Research and Technology, Tehran, Iran
Abolfazl Fateh Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran,
Fattah Sotoodehnejadnematalahi Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Sara Ahmadi Badi Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
Somayeh Vaezijoze Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Seyed Davar Siadat Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijm.v17i6.20355

Keywords: Akkermansia muciniphila; Tight junctions; Zonula occludens-1; Occludin

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Tight junctions (TJs) in the gastrointestinal tract are comprised of various junctional proteins including Occludin and Zonula Occludens (ZO-1) that have a critical role in epithelial barrier function. Gut microbiota and their derived metabolites can maintain and regulate gut epithelial barrier integrity.

Materials and Methods: In the present study, the effects of active, heat-inactivated, cell-free supernatant, and outer mem- brane vesicles (OMVs) of Akkermansia muciniphila were evaluated on the expression of occludin and ZO-1 genes in Caco-2 cell line by quantitative real-time PCR.

Results: Data have shown that both forms of the active (metabolically active, growing, and dividing state), and heat inacti- vated (by exposure to 56°C for 20 minutes) forms of the bacteria and the cell-free supernatant could affect the expression of occludin and ZO-1 genes (P < 0.05). OMVs significantly increased the expression of the occludin gene but had no effects on the expression of ZO-1.

Conclusion: Akkermansia muciniphila and its derived metabolites might have the potential to be used in the pharmaceuti- cal and medicinal fields as probiotic, paraprobiotic and postbiotic agents to prevent metabolic and inflammatory diseases; Although, further research is needed to understand their interactions within the complex gut microbiome and to evaluate potential side effects or risks associated with their use.