The alleviating effect of Akkermansia muciniphila PROBIO on AOM/DSS-induced colorectal cancer in mice and its regulatory effect on gut microbiota

[Display omitted] •This study explored the intervention effect of Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK PROBIO) on a mouse model of colorectal cancer.•AKK PROBIO intervention improved weight loss, colon symptoms, and tumor cell accumulation in colorectal cancer mice.•AKK PROBIO exerted its effects through modulating the NF-κB pathway, cell apoptosis, and the gut microbiota composition. Emerging evidence indicates that Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK) may be a potential probiotic agent for ameliorating colorectal cancer (CRC). Thus, we utilized the azoxymethane (AOM)/ dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mouse model of colorectal cancer to evaluate the intervention effect of AKK PROBIO. The results showed that AKK PROBIO significantly improved mouse colon health, decreased the serum pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, as well as downregulated the mRNA levels of p50, p52, p65, and IκBβ, upregulated the expressions of Bid, Bim, and caspase-9 in the colon. In addition, AKK PROBIO modulated the gut microbiota composition, as characterized by the increased abundance of Muribaculaceae and Akkermansia and the decreased levels of Bacteroides, and Parasutterella. Notably, the high-dosage group was better than that of low-dosage. In conclusion, AKK PROBIO has the potential to modulate colorectal cancer by alleviating intestinal inflammation through the NF-κB pathway and promoting cell apoptosis, thereby intervening in the development of colorectal tumors.