StressMENTAkHEALTHNCT05738746
The Efficacy of Pasteurised Akkermansia Muciniphila in Healthy Medical Workers
A study testing Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila in people with Stress and Healthy, run by Pomeranian Medical University Szczecin at 2 sites in Poland.
Trial summary
Gut microbiota alterations secondary to chronic stress might serve as a triggering factor towards manifestation of somatic and mental symptoms. The administration of pasteurised A. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 70 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Stress, Healthy, Dietary Supplement
- What is being tested?
- Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 202 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesPoland
- Study dates
- 24 Oct 2023to 10 Mar 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 70 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Working in a high stress hospital department, like: emergency, trauma, intensive care, surgery, internal diseases;
- Written informed consent to participate in this study before any study-mandated procedure;
- Body mass index (BMI) ≥18.5 kg/m2 and ≤ 35 kg/m2;
- A willingness and motivation to follow the study protocol.
Who cannot join
- Diagnosis of autoimmune, neurological, immunocompromised, thyroid, inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, cancer, and/or IgE-dependent allergy;
- Psychiatric comorbidities, including mental retardation, organic brain dysfunction, or addiction (except nicotine and caffeine), intake of antipsychotic and antidepressive drugs;
- Proton pump inhibitors usage;
- The use of antibiotics and/or probiotics 4 weeks prior to the study;
- Glucocorticosteroids and/or metformin treatment;
- Dietary supplementation (except for vitamin D) within the three months before screening;
Show all 14Show fewer
- Specific restrictive (e.g. elimination, vegan, FODMAP, reduction) diet within the three months before screening;
- Significant changes in physical activity 4 weeks before the trial entry;
- Pregnancy or lactation;
- Significant GI surgery within the last 6 months prior to or planned during the study;
- Any other medication for management of IBS complaints like peppermint oil, bile acid binders;
- Lactose intolerance;
- Participation in another study during the last 30 days prior to and during the study;
- Any other reason for exclusion as per investigator's judgment, e.g. insufficient compliance with study procedures.
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country.
Poland2 sites
Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin
Szczecin, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 70-210
Center fo Medical Simulation
Szczecin, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 71-240
About this study
Official title: The Effects of the Anti-inflammatory Microbe - Pasteurized Akkermansia Muciniphila (PAM) on Symptoms of Somatic and Mental Stress in Healthcare Professionals
Gut microbiota alterations secondary to chronic stress might serve as a triggering factor towards manifestation of somatic and mental symptoms. The administration of pasteurised A. muciniphila MucT has the capability of supporting microbiota and improving the gut barrier integrity, which might lead to decrease of inflammation and the negative health consequences of stress in healthy participants.
Read the detailed description
The Gut-brain-microbiota axis (GBMA) is a bi-directional pathway, both neuronal and biochemical, between the intestine and the Central Nervous System (CNS). The gut microbiota plays a central role in gut-brain communication. The composition of intestinal microbiota and its functions play an important role in the pathogenesis of disorders of gut-brain interaction - both within the digestive tract and in the brain.
Modulation of gut microbiota with the aid of probiotics, antibiotics, or germ-free feeding protocols significantly altered stressful event-induced behavioral outcomes in rodents. Moreover, the intake of various probiotics significantly improved stress-induced anxiety and depressive-like behaviors in mice. In humans, probiotics were also documented to display some beneficial effects on mental health, including alteration of emotional bias in healthy individuals, and alleviating stress and anxiety among stressed adults.
Psychobiotics are imposed with certain limitations related to their standardization and end-shelf-life product stability. Therefore, the use of postbiotics, which contain bacterial metabolites or other bacteria derived fragments are viewed as novel solutions and alternatives to use of standard probiotics. One of novel postbiotics of interest among scientists and clinicians is pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila MucT (PAM).
Animal studies indicate that administration of Akkermansia muciniphila can ameliorate metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease in animals and has psychobiotic potential. Similar to live A. muciniphila, PAM could ameliorate several diseases as well. The mechanism of action of PAM - improving gut barrier integrity - suggests the potential use to reduce the negative effects of stress. Human studies shown that PAM is safety, what was confirmed in the Scientific Opinion of EFSA. Recently A. muciniphila was approved as the Novel Food.
A proof of concept study will be conducted to verify the hypothesis that PAM reduces the psychological and somatic effects of stress.
- Conditions
- Stress, Healthy, Dietary Supplement
- Being tested
- Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila, Placebo
- Keywords
- microbiota, postbiotic, stress, metabolome, immunometabolism
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphilaDietary supplement
Also called PAM
PAM supplementation; packaging will be given to the subjects every one month during follow-up visits, with the instructions to take one dose every morning on an empty stomach
PlaceboDietary supplement
Also called PBO
PBO administration; packaging will be given to the subjects every one month during follow-up visits, with the instructions to take one dose every morning on an empty stomach
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila | Experimental | pasteurized A.muciniphila (Pasteurized, 3x10^10 bacteria per day) as supplement for 3 months, Receives: Dietary Supplement: Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | placebo administered for 3 months once a day Receives: Dietary Supplement: Placebo |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Stress intensity
serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in blood
Measured: baseline
Stress intensity
serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in blood
Measured: 1 month
Stress intensity
serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in blood
Measured: 3 months
Cardiovascular marker of stressor intensity
blood pressure
Measured: baseline
Cardiovascular marker of stressor intensity
blood pressure
Measured: 1 month
Cardiovascular marker of stressor intensity
blood pressure
Measured: 3 months
Cardiovascular marker of stressor intensity
heart rate
Measured: baseline
Cardiovascular marker of stressor intensity
heart rate
Measured: 1 month
Cardiovascular marker of stressor intensity
heart rate
Measured: 3 months
Stress intensity
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Individual scores on the PSS can range from 0 to 40 with higher scores indicating higher perceived stress.
Measured: baseline
Stress intensity
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Individual scores on the PSS can range from 0 to 40 with higher scores indicating higher perceived stress.
Measured: 1 month
Stress intensity
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Individual scores on the PSS can range from 0 to 40 with higher scores indicating higher perceived stress.
Measured: 3 months
Psychosocial working conditions
Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). The scales of the COPSOQ are formed by adding the points of the individual questions of the scales by giving equal weights to each question. In most cases the questions have five response options. In these cases the weights are: 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100. The scale value is calculated as the simple average
Measured: baseline
Psychosocial working conditions
Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). The scales of the COPSOQ are formed by adding the points of the individual questions of the scales by giving equal weights to each question. In most cases the questions have five response options. In these cases the weights are: 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100. The scale value is calculated as the simple average
Measured: 1 month
Psychosocial working conditions
Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). The scales of the COPSOQ are formed by adding the points of the individual questions of the scales by giving equal weights to each question. In most cases the questions have five response options. In these cases the weights are: 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100. The scale value is calculated as the simple average
Measured: 3 months
The recognition of the most common mental disorders
Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD). The yes/no questionnaire serves as an initial screen for 5 general groups of mental disorders commonly found in the general population
Measured: baseline
The recognition of the most common mental disorders
Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD). The yes/no questionnaire serves as an initial screen for 5 general groups of mental disorders commonly found in the general population
Measured: 1 month
The recognition of the most common mental disorders
Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD). The yes/no questionnaire serves as an initial screen for 5 general groups of mental disorders commonly found in the general population
Measured: 3 months
Depression
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Nine items, each of which is scored 0 to 3, providing a 0 to 27 severity score.This score can then be referred to the accompanying PHQ-9 Scoring Box to interpret the TOTAL score.
Measured: baseline
Depression
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Nine items, each of which is scored 0 to 3, providing a 0 to 27 severity score.This score can then be referred to the accompanying PHQ-9 Scoring Box to interpret the TOTAL score.
Measured: 1 month
Depression
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Nine items, each of which is scored 0 to 3, providing a 0 to 27 severity score.This score can then be referred to the accompanying PHQ-9 Scoring Box to interpret the TOTAL score.
Measured: 3 months
Depressive state
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). When the test is scored, a value of 0 to 3 is assigned for each answer and then the total score is compared to a key to determine the depression's severity. The standard cut-off scores were as follows:
0-18: indicates minimal depression 18-30: indicates mild depression 19-29: indicates moderate depression 30-63: indicates severe depression.
Measured: baseline
Depressive state
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). When the test is scored, a value of 0 to 3 is assigned for each answer and then the total score is compared to a key to determine the depression's severity. The standard cut-off scores were as follows:
0-18: indicates minimal depression 18-30: indicates mild depression 19-29: indicates moderate depression 30-63: indicates severe depression.
Measured: 1 month
Depressive state
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). When the test is scored, a value of 0 to 3 is assigned for each answer and then the total score is compared to a key to determine the depression's severity. The standard cut-off scores were as follows:
0-18: indicates minimal depression 18-30: indicates mild depression 19-29: indicates moderate depression 30-63: indicates severe depression.
Measured: 3 months
Anxiety and stress
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). This is a set of three self-report scales designed to measure the emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress. The rating scale is as follows:
0 - Did not apply to me at all
- - Applied to me to some degree, or some of the time
- - Applied to me to a considerable degree, or a good part of time
- - Applied to me very much, or most of the time.
SUBSCALES:
DASS_Anxiety = questions 2 + 4 + 7 + 9 + 15 + 19 + 20
DASS_Depression = questions 3 + 5 + 10 + 13 + 16 + 17 + 21
DASS_Stress = questions 1 + 6 + 8 + 11 + 12 + 14 +18
Measured: baseline
Anxiety and stress
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). This is a set of three self-report scales designed to measure the emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress. The rating scale is as follows:
0 - Did not apply to me at all
- - Applied to me to some degree, or some of the time
- - Applied to me to a considerable degree, or a good part of time
- - Applied to me very much, or most of the time.
SUBSCALES:
DASS_Anxiety = questions 2 + 4 + 7 + 9 + 15 + 19 + 20
DASS_Depression = questions 3 + 5 + 10 + 13 + 16 + 17 + 21
DASS_Stress = questions 1 + 6 + 8 + 11 + 12 + 14 +18
Measured: 1 month
Anxiety and stress
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). This is a set of three self-report scales designed to measure the emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress. The rating scale is as follows:
0 - Did not apply to me at all
- - Applied to me to some degree, or some of the time
- - Applied to me to a considerable degree, or a good part of time
- - Applied to me very much, or most of the time.
SUBSCALES:
DASS_Anxiety = questions 2 + 4 + 7 + 9 + 15 + 19 + 20
DASS_Depression = questions 3 + 5 + 10 + 13 + 16 + 17 + 21
DASS_Stress = questions 1 + 6 + 8 + 11 + 12 + 14 +18
Measured: 3 months
Occurrence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Rome IV criteria
Measured: baseline
Occurrence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Rome IV criteria
Measured: 1 month
Occurrence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Rome IV criteria
Measured: 3 months
Occurence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms
Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS)
Measured: baseline
Occurence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms
Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS)
Measured: 1 month
Occurence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms
Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS)
Measured: 3 months
Secondary outcomes (47)
Microbiota composition
next generation sequencing
Measured: baseline
Microbiota composition
next generation sequencing
Measured: 1 month
Microbiota composition
next generation sequencing
Measured: 3 months
A. muciniphila count in stool
real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR)
Measured: baseline
A. muciniphila count in stool
real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR)
Measured: 1 month
A. muciniphila count in stool
real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR)
Measured: 3 months
Total bacteria count in stool
real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR)
Measured: baseline
Total bacteria count in stool
real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR)
Measured: 1 month
Total bacteria count in stool
real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR)
Measured: 3 months
Short chain fatty acids content in stool
quadrupole mass spectrometer and high performance liquid chromatograph
Measured: baseline
Short chain fatty acids content in stool
quadrupole mass spectrometer and high performance liquid chromatograph
Measured: 1 month
Short chain fatty acids content in stool
quadrupole mass spectrometer and high performance liquid chromatograph
Measured: 3 months
Immune phenotypes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
single-cell genomics (scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq) analyses (in blood)
Measured: baseline
Immune phenotypes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
single-cell genomics (scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq) analyses (in blood)
Measured: 1 month
Immune phenotypes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
single-cell genomics (scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq) analyses (in blood)
Measured: 3 months
Inflammatory mediators concentrations in blood
high-throughput protein biomarker analysis with the advent of Proximity Extension Assay
Measured: baseline
Inflammatory mediators concentrations in blood
high-throughput protein biomarker analysis with the advent of Proximity Extension Assay
Measured: 1 month
Inflammatory mediators concentrations in blood
high-throughput protein biomarker analysis with the advent of Proximity Extension Assay
Measured: 3 months
Zonulin concentration in stool
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Measured: baseline
Zonulin concentration in stool
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Measured: 1 month
Zonulin concentration in stool
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Measured: 3 months
Calprotectin concentration in stool
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Measured: baseline
Calprotectin concentration in stool
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Measured: 1 month
Calprotectin concentration in stool
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Measured: 3 months
Lipopolysaccharide concentration in blood
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Measured: baseline
Lipopolysaccharide concentration in blood
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Measured: 1 month
Lipopolysaccharide concentration in blood
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Measured: 3 months
Adiposity
Fat mass/fat free mass evaluated by bioimpedance
Measured: baseline
Adiposity
Fat mass/fat free mass evaluated by bioimpedance
Measured: 1 month
Adiposity
Fat mass/fat free mass evaluated by bioimpedance
Measured: 3 months
Obesity
Body weight
Measured: baseline
Obesity
Body weight
Measured: 1 month
Obesity
Body weight
Measured: 3 months
Dietary habits
the frequency of certain food consumption (rank score) by means of validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ).
Measured: baseline
Physical activity
International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results can be reported in categories (low activity levels, moderate activity levels or high activity levels) or as a continuous variable (MET minutes a week).
Measured: baseline
Functions of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
mass cytometry (CyTOF)
Measured: baseline
Functions of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
mass cytometry (CyTOF)
Measured: 1 month
Functions of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
mass cytometry (CyTOF)
Measured: 3 months
Insulin resistance
HOMA-Homeostasis Model Assessment calculated from fasted glycemia and insulinemia
Measured: baseline
Insulin resistance
HOMA-Homeostasis Model Assessment calculated from fasted glycemia and insulinemia
Measured: 1 month
Insulin resistance
HOMA-Homeostasis Model Assessment calculated from fasted glycemia and insulinemia
Measured: 3 months
carbohydrate metabolism
glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
Measured: baseline
carbohydrate metabolism
glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
Measured: 1 month
carbohydrate metabolism
glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
Measured: 3 months
Concentration of blood lipids
Analysis of circulating lipids : total, LDL and HDL cholesterol (mg/dl), triglycerides (md/dl)
Measured: baseline
Concentration of blood lipids
Analysis of circulating lipids : total, LDL and HDL cholesterol (mg/dl), triglycerides (md/dl)
Measured: 1 month
Concentration of blood lipids
Analysis of circulating lipids : total, LDL and HDL cholesterol (mg/dl), triglycerides (md/dl)
Measured: 3 months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted22 Feb 2023
- Study start24 Oct 2023
- Primary completion10 Mar 2025
- Study completion10 Mar 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (4)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for StressStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- parallel-groups, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 202 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Pomeranian Medical University Szczecin
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- SANPROBI SPOLKA Z OGRANICZONA ODPOWIEDZIALNOSCIA SPOLKA KOMANDYTOWA, THE AKKERMANSIA COMPANY, Charite University, Berlin, Germany, MAX DELBRUECK CENTRUM FUER MOLEKULARE MEDIZIN IN DER HELMHOLTZ-GEMEINSCHAFT (MDC) - MDC, Imperial College London
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05738746
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 101095540
- Acronym
- MENTAkHEALTH
- Status last verified
- Mar 2025
- First submitted
- 30 Jan 2023
- Last updated
- 18 Mar 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided: 1. Personal data will be pseudonymised and encrypted, and after the purpose of processing has ceased to exist, they will be deleted or made anonymous. 2. Personal data will be processed in compliance with the technical and organizational measures referred to in Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 and the Data Protection Policy at PMU. 3. Research data will be made available in the open research data repository, at the latest when the research article is published, after the end of its analysis. 4. There are no restrictions or obstacles preventing full disclosure of data. 5. Sharing data requires no consent of the study participants as for the anonymous character of the study 6. Only data from sequencing analyzes will be stored indefinitely in the repository https://qiita.ucsd.edu/ 7. The remaining data will be deposited for a minimum of 10 years in the ZENODO repository
Publications
Depommier C, Everard A, Druart C, Plovier H, Van Hul M, Vieira-Silva S, Falony G, Raes J, Maiter D, Delzenne NM, de Barsy M, Loumaye A, Hermans MP, Thissen JP, de Vos WM, Cani PD. Supplementation with Akkermansia muciniphila in overweight and obese human volunteers: a proof-of-concept exploratory study. Nat Med. 2019 Jul;25(7):1096-1103. doi: 10.1038/s41591-019-0495-2. Epub 2019 Jul 1.
PubMed 31263284Schneeberger M, Everard A, Gomez-Valades AG, Matamoros S, Ramirez S, Delzenne NM, Gomis R, Claret M, Cani PD. Akkermansia muciniphila inversely correlates with the onset of inflammation, altered adipose tissue metabolism and metabolic disorders during obesity in mice. Sci Rep. 2015 Nov 13;5:16643. doi: 10.1038/srep16643.
PubMed 26563823Druart C, Plovier H, Van Hul M, Brient A, Phipps KR, de Vos WM, Cani PD. Toxicological safety evaluation of pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila. J Appl Toxicol. 2021 Feb;41(2):276-290. doi: 10.1002/jat.4044. Epub 2020 Jul 28.
PubMed 32725676Cani PD, Depommier C, Derrien M, Everard A, de Vos WM. Akkermansia muciniphila: paradigm for next-generation beneficial microorganisms. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022 Oct;19(10):625-637. doi: 10.1038/s41575-022-00631-9. Epub 2022 May 31.
PubMed 35641786
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 Mar 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effects of the Anti-inflammatory Microbe - Pasteurized Akkermansia Muciniphila (PAM) on Symptoms of Somatic and Mental Stress in Healthcare Professionals
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05738746
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MENTAkHEALTH / 101095540
- Conditions
- Stress, Healthy, Dietary Supplement
- Keywords
- microbiota, postbiotic, stress, metabolome, immunometabolism
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 202 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Pomeranian Medical University SzczecinUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- SANPROBI SPOLKA Z OGRANICZONA ODPOWIEDZIALNOSCIA SPOLKA KOMANDYTOWA, THE AKKERMANSIA COMPANY, Charite University, Berlin, Germany, MAX DELBRUECK CENTRUM FUER MOLEKULARE MEDIZIN IN DER HELMHOLTZ-GEMEINSCHAFT (MDC) - MDC, Imperial College London
- Study start
- 24 Oct 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Mar 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 22 Feb 2023 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Gut microbiota alterations secondary to chronic stress might serve as a triggering factor towards manifestation of somatic and mental symptoms. The administration of pasteurised A. muciniphila MucT has the capability of supporting microbiota and improving the gut barrier integrity, which might lead to decrease of inflammation and the negative health consequences of stress in healthy participants.
Detailed description
The Gut-brain-microbiota axis (GBMA) is a bi-directional pathway, both neuronal and biochemical, between the intestine and the Central Nervous System (CNS). The gut microbiota plays a central role in gut-brain communication. The composition of intestinal microbiota and its functions play an important role in the pathogenesis of disorders of gut-brain interaction - both within the digestive tract and in the brain.
Modulation of gut microbiota with the aid of probiotics, antibiotics, or germ-free feeding protocols significantly altered stressful event-induced behavioral outcomes in rodents. Moreover, the intake of various probiotics significantly improved stress-induced anxiety and depressive-like behaviors in mice. In humans, probiotics were also documented to display some beneficial effects on mental health, including alteration of emotional bias in healthy individuals, and alleviating stress and anxiety among stressed adults.
Psychobiotics are imposed with certain limitations related to their standardization and end-shelf-life product stability. Therefore, the use of postbiotics, which contain bacterial metabolites or other bacteria derived fragments are viewed as novel solutions and alternatives to use of standard probiotics. One of novel postbiotics of interest among scientists and clinicians is pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila MucT (PAM).
Animal studies indicate that administration of Akkermansia muciniphila can ameliorate metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease in animals and has psychobiotic potential. Similar to live A. muciniphila, PAM could ameliorate several diseases as well. The mechanism of action of PAM - improving gut barrier integrity - suggests the potential use to reduce the negative effects of stress. Human studies shown that PAM is safety, what was confirmed in the Scientific Opinion of EFSA. Recently A. muciniphila was approved as the Novel Food.
A proof of concept study will be conducted to verify the hypothesis that PAM reduces the psychological and somatic effects of stress.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, care provider, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- parallel-groups, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphilapasteurized A.muciniphila (Pasteurized, 3x10^10 bacteria per day) as supplement for 3 months, |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Dietary Supplement: Placeboplacebo administered for 3 months once a day |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Working in a high stress hospital department, like: emergency, trauma, intensive care, surgery, internal diseases;
- Written informed consent to participate in this study before any study-mandated procedure;
- Body mass index (BMI) ≥18.5 kg/m2 and ≤ 35 kg/m2;
- A willingness and motivation to follow the study protocol.
Key exclusion criteria (14 listed)
- Diagnosis of autoimmune, neurological, immunocompromised, thyroid, inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, cancer, and/or IgE-dependent allergy;
- Psychiatric comorbidities, including mental retardation, organic brain dysfunction, or addiction (except nicotine and caffeine), intake of antipsychotic and antidepressive drugs;
- Proton pump inhibitors usage;
- The use of antibiotics and/or probiotics 4 weeks prior to the study;
- Glucocorticosteroids and/or metformin treatment;
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphilaAlso: PAMPAM supplementation; packaging will be given to the subjects every one month during follow-up visits, with the instructions to take one dose every morning on an empty stomach | Dietary supplement | Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila |
| PlaceboAlso: PBOPBO administration; packaging will be given to the subjects every one month during follow-up visits, with the instructions to take one dose every morning on an empty stomach | Dietary supplement | Placebo |
Primary outcome
Stress intensity
Time frame: baseline
serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in blood
Stress intensity
Time frame: 1 month
serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in blood
Stress intensity
Time frame: 3 months
serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in blood
Cardiovascular marker of stressor intensity
Time frame: baseline
blood pressure
Cardiovascular marker of stressor intensity
Time frame: 1 month
blood pressure
Cardiovascular marker of stressor intensity
Time frame: 3 months
blood pressure
Cardiovascular marker of stressor intensity
Time frame: baseline
heart rate
Cardiovascular marker of stressor intensity
Time frame: 1 month
heart rate
Cardiovascular marker of stressor intensity
Time frame: 3 months
heart rate
Stress intensity
Time frame: baseline
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Individual scores on the PSS can range from 0 to 40 with higher scores indicating higher perceived stress.
Stress intensity
Time frame: 1 month
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Individual scores on the PSS can range from 0 to 40 with higher scores indicating higher perceived stress.
Stress intensity
Time frame: 3 months
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Individual scores on the PSS can range from 0 to 40 with higher scores indicating higher perceived stress.
Psychosocial working conditions
Time frame: baseline
Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). The scales of the COPSOQ are formed by adding the points of the individual questions of the scales by giving equal weights to each question. In most cases the questions have five response options. In these cases the weights are: 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100. The scale value is calculated as the simple average
Psychosocial working conditions
Time frame: 1 month
Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). The scales of the COPSOQ are formed by adding the points of the individual questions of the scales by giving equal weights to each question. In most cases the questions have five response options. In these cases the weights are: 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100. The scale value is calculated as the simple average
Psychosocial working conditions
Time frame: 3 months
Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). The scales of the COPSOQ are formed by adding the points of the individual questions of the scales by giving equal weights to each question. In most cases the questions have five response options. In these cases the weights are: 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100. The scale value is calculated as the simple average
The recognition of the most common mental disorders
Time frame: baseline
Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD). The yes/no questionnaire serves as an initial screen for 5 general groups of mental disorders commonly found in the general population
The recognition of the most common mental disorders
Time frame: 1 month
Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD). The yes/no questionnaire serves as an initial screen for 5 general groups of mental disorders commonly found in the general population
The recognition of the most common mental disorders
Time frame: 3 months
Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD). The yes/no questionnaire serves as an initial screen for 5 general groups of mental disorders commonly found in the general population
Depression
Time frame: baseline
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Nine items, each of which is scored 0 to 3, providing a 0 to 27 severity score.This score can then be referred to the accompanying PHQ-9 Scoring Box to interpret the TOTAL score.
Depression
Time frame: 1 month
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Nine items, each of which is scored 0 to 3, providing a 0 to 27 severity score.This score can then be referred to the accompanying PHQ-9 Scoring Box to interpret the TOTAL score.
Depression
Time frame: 3 months
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Nine items, each of which is scored 0 to 3, providing a 0 to 27 severity score.This score can then be referred to the accompanying PHQ-9 Scoring Box to interpret the TOTAL score.
Depressive state
Time frame: baseline
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). When the test is scored, a value of 0 to 3 is assigned for each answer and then the total score is compared to a key to determine the depression's severity. The standard cut-off scores were as follows: 0-18: indicates minimal depression 18-30: indicates mild depression 19-29: indicates moderate depression 30-63: indicates severe depression.
Depressive state
Time frame: 1 month
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). When the test is scored, a value of 0 to 3 is assigned for each answer and then the total score is compared to a key to determine the depression's severity. The standard cut-off scores were as follows: 0-18: indicates minimal depression 18-30: indicates mild depression 19-29: indicates moderate depression 30-63: indicates severe depression.
Depressive state
Time frame: 3 months
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). When the test is scored, a value of 0 to 3 is assigned for each answer and then the total score is compared to a key to determine the depression's severity. The standard cut-off scores were as follows: 0-18: indicates minimal depression 18-30: indicates mild depression 19-29: indicates moderate depression 30-63: indicates severe depression.
Anxiety and stress
Time frame: baseline
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). This is a set of three self-report scales designed to measure the emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress. The rating scale is as follows: 0 - Did not apply to me at all 1. - Applied to me to some degree, or some of the time 2. - Applied to me to a considerable degree, or a good part of time 3. - Applied to me very much, or most of the time. SUBSCALES: DASS_Anxiety = questions 2 + 4 + 7 + 9 + 15 + 19 + 20 DASS_Depression = questions 3 + 5 + 10 + 13 + 16 + 17 + 21 DASS_Stress = questions 1 + 6 + 8 + 11 + 12 + 14 +18
Anxiety and stress
Time frame: 1 month
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). This is a set of three self-report scales designed to measure the emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress. The rating scale is as follows: 0 - Did not apply to me at all 1. - Applied to me to some degree, or some of the time 2. - Applied to me to a considerable degree, or a good part of time 3. - Applied to me very much, or most of the time. SUBSCALES: DASS_Anxiety = questions 2 + 4 + 7 + 9 + 15 + 19 + 20 DASS_Depression = questions 3 + 5 + 10 + 13 + 16 + 17 + 21 DASS_Stress = questions 1 + 6 + 8 + 11 + 12 + 14 +18
Anxiety and stress
Time frame: 3 months
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). This is a set of three self-report scales designed to measure the emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress. The rating scale is as follows: 0 - Did not apply to me at all 1. - Applied to me to some degree, or some of the time 2. - Applied to me to a considerable degree, or a good part of time 3. - Applied to me very much, or most of the time. SUBSCALES: DASS_Anxiety = questions 2 + 4 + 7 + 9 + 15 + 19 + 20 DASS_Depression = questions 3 + 5 + 10 + 13 + 16 + 17 + 21 DASS_Stress = questions 1 + 6 + 8 + 11 + 12 + 14 +18
Occurrence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Time frame: baseline
Rome IV criteria
Occurrence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Time frame: 1 month
Rome IV criteria
Occurrence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Time frame: 3 months
Rome IV criteria
Occurence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms
Time frame: baseline
Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS)
Occurence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms
Time frame: 1 month
Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS)
Occurence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms
Time frame: 3 months
Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS)
47 secondary outcomes
Microbiota composition
Time frame: baseline
Microbiota composition
Time frame: 1 month
Microbiota composition
Time frame: 3 months
A. muciniphila count in stool
Time frame: baseline
A. muciniphila count in stool
Time frame: 1 month
A. muciniphila count in stool
Time frame: 3 months
Total bacteria count in stool
Time frame: baseline
Total bacteria count in stool
Time frame: 1 month
Total bacteria count in stool
Time frame: 3 months
Short chain fatty acids content in stool
Time frame: baseline
Short chain fatty acids content in stool
Time frame: 1 month
Short chain fatty acids content in stool
Time frame: 3 months
Immune phenotypes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
Time frame: baseline
Immune phenotypes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
Time frame: 1 month
Immune phenotypes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
Time frame: 3 months
Inflammatory mediators concentrations in blood
Time frame: baseline
Inflammatory mediators concentrations in blood
Time frame: 1 month
Inflammatory mediators concentrations in blood
Time frame: 3 months
Zonulin concentration in stool
Time frame: baseline
Zonulin concentration in stool
Time frame: 1 month
Zonulin concentration in stool
Time frame: 3 months
Calprotectin concentration in stool
Time frame: baseline
Calprotectin concentration in stool
Time frame: 1 month
Calprotectin concentration in stool
Time frame: 3 months
Lipopolysaccharide concentration in blood
Time frame: baseline
Lipopolysaccharide concentration in blood
Time frame: 1 month
Lipopolysaccharide concentration in blood
Time frame: 3 months
Adiposity
Time frame: baseline
Adiposity
Time frame: 1 month
Adiposity
Time frame: 3 months
Obesity
Time frame: baseline
Obesity
Time frame: 1 month
Obesity
Time frame: 3 months
Dietary habits
Time frame: baseline
Physical activity
Time frame: baseline
Functions of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
Time frame: baseline
Functions of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
Time frame: 1 month
Functions of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
Time frame: 3 months
Insulin resistance
Time frame: baseline
Insulin resistance
Time frame: 1 month
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 18 Mar 2025.
- Background: PubMed 31263284Depommier C, Everard A, Druart C, Plovier H, Van Hul M, Vieira-Silva S, Falony G, Raes J, Maiter D, Delzenne NM, de Barsy M, Loumaye A, Hermans MP, Thissen JP, de Vos WM, Cani PD. Supplementation with Akkermansia muciniphila in overweight and obese human volunteers: a proof-of-concept exploratory study. Nat Med. 2019 Jul;25(7):1096-1103. doi: 10.1038/s41591-019-0495-2. Epub 2019 Jul 1.
- Background: PubMed 26563823Schneeberger M, Everard A, Gomez-Valades AG, Matamoros S, Ramirez S, Delzenne NM, Gomis R, Claret M, Cani PD. Akkermansia muciniphila inversely correlates with the onset of inflammation, altered adipose tissue metabolism and metabolic disorders during obesity in mice. Sci Rep. 2015 Nov 13;5:16643. doi: 10.1038/srep16643.
- Background: PubMed 32725676Druart C, Plovier H, Van Hul M, Brient A, Phipps KR, de Vos WM, Cani PD. Toxicological safety evaluation of pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila. J Appl Toxicol. 2021 Feb;41(2):276-290. doi: 10.1002/jat.4044. Epub 2020 Jul 28.
- Background: PubMed 35641786Cani PD, Depommier C, Derrien M, Everard A, de Vos WM. Akkermansia muciniphila: paradigm for next-generation beneficial microorganisms. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022 Oct;19(10):625-637. doi: 10.1038/s41575-022-00631-9. Epub 2022 May 31.
- EC official website with research resultsLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided. 1. Personal data will be pseudonymised and encrypted, and after the purpose of processing has ceased to exist, they will be deleted or made anonymous. 2. Personal data will be processed in compliance with the technical and organizational measures referred to in Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 and the Data Protection Policy at PMU. 3. Research data will be made available in the open research data repository, at the latest when the research article is published, after the end of its analysis. 4. There are no restrictions or obstacles preventing full disclosure of data. 5. Sharing data requires no consent of the study participants as for the anonymous character of the study 6. Only data from sequencing analyzes will be stored indefinitely in the repository https://qiita.ucsd.edu/ 7. The remaining data will be deposited for a minimum of 10 years in the ZENODO repository
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila in people with Stress and Healthy, run by Pomeranian Medical University Szczecin at 2 sites in Poland.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 14 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Mar 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Poland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Stress intensity (time frame: baseline). The study lists 33 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05738746, which also lists 4 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Mar 2025.