Insights from the potential impact of pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila in zebrafish models of obesity and diabetes

Obesity, diabetes, and related metabolic and health conditions are significant concerns in societies worldwide, necessitating the development of effective treatment and prevention strategies. Gut microbiota, particularly Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila), have emerged as key players in the onset of obesity and diabetes due to their impact on metabolic pathways related to food absorption, low-grade inflammation, and insulin signaling. Using A. muciniphila have been identified as a promising approach in obesity and diabetes management. However, the complex culture conditions and animal-based culture medium limitations, restrict its therapeutic perspectives as a probiotic. Pasteurized A. muciniphila has been found to be safe and potentially more cost-effective compared to live strains. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) obese-diabetic models have been used in previous studies due to their functional conservation in lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis. These models offer a novel, easy-to-maintain platform for researchers studying obesity and diabetes. So, investigations are suggested to evaluate the effects of pasteurized A. muciniphila on gut microbiota composition, inflammation, and metabolic complications in an obese-diabetic zebrafish model. The findings can be translated into several potential implications and can lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of A. muciniphila on obesity and diabetes in the host’s body.