Bioactive ceramic-processed water modulates the gut microbiota and hepatic AMPK activation in SMP30 knockout mice

TL;DR

This study shows that bioactive ceramic-processed water may help improve gut health and liver metabolism in aging mice.

Contribution

The study introduces BCP as a novel dietary intervention for mitigating age-related metabolic decline.

Findings

BCP increased beneficial gut bacteria like Akkermansia and Lactobacillus in aging mice.

BCP was linked to higher hepatic AMPK activation, which regulates energy metabolism.

Functional analysis suggested BCP supports pathways for vitamin metabolism and detoxification.

Abstract

Effects of BCP on Gut Microbiome and Liver Metabolism in SMP30 KO Mice. Abbreviations: BCP, Bioactive ceramic processed water; SMP30 KO, Senescence marker protein-30 knockout; AMPK, Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase; SCFA, Short chain fatty acids.

Effects of BCP on Gut Microbiome and Liver Metabolism in SMP30 KO Mice. Abbreviations: BCP, Bioactive ceramic processed water; SMP30 KO, Senescence marker protein-30 knockout; AMPK, Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase; SCFA, Short chain fatty acids.

Effective strategies are needed to increase the healthy lifespan and prevent age-related diseases in aging populations. Using senescence marker protein 30 knockout (SMP30 KO) mice—models that mimic human vitamin C (vitC) deficiency and exhibit accelerated aging—we investigated the effects of bioactive ceramic processed water (BCP) compared to natural mineral water (MW) and MW supplemented with vitamin C (MW-vitC) on gut microbial communities and hepatic metabolism. Due to pooled fecal sampling (n=1 composite library per group), microbiome results represent descriptive trends in diversity and composition. BCP was associated with discernible shifts in gut microbiota, including increased abundances of beneficial genera, such as Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, and Allobaculum, and the Muribaculaceae family. PICRUSt2 functional analysis suggested an enrichment in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, vitamin (e.g., retinol) metabolism, and xenobiotic biodegradation pathways. Furthermore, BCP was associated with significantly higher levels of activated hepatic AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key energy metabolism regulator, compared to control groups. Although microbiome findings are descriptive due to the study design, these results suggest BCP as a potential dietary intervention to help mitigate age-related metabolic decline and promote healthy ageing.

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