Heat-treated gut bacteria reduced bone loss in rats
An experiment in rats with their ovaries removed found reduced bone breakdown, better intestinal barriers and less inflammation in the colon.
Edited by Boris Djordjevic · AgingResearch.News
In an animal experiment, researchers gave pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila, a heat-treated gut bacterium, to rats whose ovaries had been removed. They studied bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency. The bacteria reduced loss of the spongy tissue inside bones and reduced bone breakdown. They also improved the intestinal barrier and reduced inflammation in the colon.
Tests detected no increase in Akkermansia and no return of the gut microbial community to the state seen in rats that had surgery without ovary removal. The bacteria increased fecal butyrate, a substance made by gut microbes. Researchers also found changes in predicted microbial gene content alongside improvements in intestinal and bone measures.
Why it matters
Postmenopausal osteoporosis involves bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency. This work explores whether a gut-based approach to that bone loss requires restoring the original microbial community.
Caveats
This animal experiment did not test benefits in people with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Microbial gene functions were predicted rather than directly measured.
