Mobility & Flexibility

Akkermansia muciniphila: Intestine’s Urolithin A Promoter.

The metabolic effect of gut-derived metabolites coincides with the prevention of conditions like obesity and diabetes in mouse models. However, to produce the beneficial gut-derived metabolites, we need to ingest foods that contain specific bioactive compounds and have beneficial bacterial strains in our gut. Recently, pomegranate polyphenolic compounds and the combination of gut microbiota have been associated with beneficial metabolic effects on mice fed with a high-fat diet. Furthermore,Β Akkermansia muciniphila, a bacterial strain that resides in the mucosal layer of the gut, is detected in those patients with a healthier metabolic status. Therefore, this connection raises the question doesΒ Akkermansia muciniphilaΒ improves metabolic homeostasis when combined with pomegranate extract?

Pomegranate extract:

The beneficial effects of pomegranate extract as a prebiotic are attributed to the presence of ellagitannins. Nevertheless, ellagitannins need to be hydrolyzed by the stomach acids and then converted into ellagic acids by the intestinal enzymes. After these processes, the remaining ellagitannins and ellagic acid are metabolized into urolithin by the gut microbiota.Β 

Ellagitannins are not directly absorbed into the bloodstream. On the other hand, the digestive tract where ellagitannins and ellagic acid have more presence and direct interaction with the gut microbiota. Indeed, this interaction also coincides with a beneficial alteration in the gut’s bacteria diversity and the production of urolithin A.Β 

Akkermansia muciniphila:

This bacterial strain constitutes 3-5% of the microbial community in healthy subjects. Recent studies associate an appropriate abundance of A. muciniphila with healthy body weight and increased muscle mass. Also, in a study where the subjects followed a low caloric diet, this bacterial strain showed consistent abundance. Besides this, several studies associate obesity and type 2 diabetes with less quantity of A. muciniphila.

Recent studies have demonstrated an increased proportion of A. muciniphila in mice fed with a high-fat/sucrose diet after drinking cranberry juice. In turn, this increase resulted in reduced weight gain and insulin resistance. Other studies reported significant contributions associated with increased A. muciniphila content; some of them are:

  • Reversed high-fat diet-induced metabolic disorders.
  • Reduced fat-mass gain.
  • Less adipose tissue-induced inflammation.
  • Increased insulin sensitivity.
  • Metabolic endotoxemia prevention.

Does A. muciniphila metabolize ellagitannin to urolithin A?

Urolithin has multiple isomers; within them, urolithin A associates with numerous health benefits. An increase in this polyphenol gut-derived metabolite coincides with an attenuation of inflammatory signaling, anti-cancer effects, modulation of energetic homeostasis, and anti-aging, specifically to those mechanisms linked to mitochondrial and muscular dysfunction. Furthermore, in animal models, urolithin A increases mitophagy of dysfunctional mitochondria, followed by autophagosome formation, clearing mitochondrial protein. This mechanism improves the quality of cellular mitochondria and promotes the generation of new organelles.

However, some studies report that only 40% of people can produce meaningful amounts of urolithin A from its dietary precursors. In turn, this mechanism links to the gut microbiota diversity and A. muciniphila composition.

Clinical findings:

A small study with 18 volunteers measured the effects of 4- week intervention of pomegranate extract, the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, and urolithin A production.

This study concluded that those subjects with higher urolithin A production coincide with elevated A. muciniphila in their stools. On the other hand, those urolithin A-non producers had higher levels of ellagic acid in their stool samples after a 4- week intervention with pomegranate extract.

There is no doubt about the influence that gut microbiota has on metabolic health. Also, we know all about the extraordinary benefits that polyphenolic compounds provide by modulating inflammatory responses, promoting antioxidant effects, and how they stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria. However, the apparent interaction between urolithin A production by A. municiphila merges this mechanism and provides additional effects. Furthermore, this interaction promotes mitophagy, resulting in a better mitochondrial function that equates to better energy production (ATP), joint and muscle tissue promotion, and overall health. – Ana Paola RodrΓ­guez Arciniega

References:

Henning, Susanne M et al. β€œPomegranate ellagitannins stimulate the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila in vivo.” AnaerobeΒ vol. 43 (2017): 56-60. doi:10.1016/j.anaerobe.2016.12.003

D’Amico, Davide et al. β€œImpact of the Natural Compound Urolithin A on Health, Disease, and Aging.” Trends in molecular medicineΒ vol. 27,7 (2021): 687-699. doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2021.04.009

Β 

Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)

Β 

Online Appointments or Consultations: bit.ly/Book-Online-Appointment

Β 

Online Physical Injury / Accident Intake Form:Β bit.ly/Fill-Out-Your-Online-HistoryΒ 

Β 

Online Functional Medicine Assessment:Β bit.ly/functionmed

Β 

Post Disclaimer

General Disclaimer *

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on this entire blog site is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how they may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to discuss the subject matter above further, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Masters in Family Practice MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, MSN-FNP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Β 

Recent Posts

Enhancing Pregnancy Wellness with Massage Gun Therapy

Stress on the lower back during pregnancy often leads to back (upper, middle, lower), sciatica,… Read More

December 20, 2024

Improve Sleep with Melatonin: The Ultimate Guide

Can melatonin help many individuals dealing with sleep issues and help them stay asleep longer… Read More

December 20, 2024

Achieve Optimal Health with Kettlebell Training at Any Age

For older individuals looking for a workout that can help improve overall fitness, can kettlebell… Read More

December 19, 2024

Choosing the Right Pillow for Neck Pain: A Comprehensive Guide

Can choosing the right pillow help many individuals with neck pain get a full night's… Read More

December 19, 2024

The Best Mattress for Back Pain: A Complete Buying Guide

What is the recommended way to choose a mattress for individuals with back pain?  … Read More

December 18, 2024

Discover Nonsurgical Treatments for Reducing Piriformis Syndrome

Can non-surgical treatments help individuals with piriformis syndrome reduce referred sciatica pain and help restore… Read More

December 18, 2024