Butyrate: A Double-Edged Sword for Health?

Abstract

Butyrate, a four-carbon short-chain fatty acid, is produced through microbial fermentation of dietary fibers in the lower intestinal tract. Endogenous butyrate production, delivery, and absorption by colonocytes have been well documented. Butyrate exerts its functions by acting as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor or signaling through several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Recently, butyrate has received particular attention for its beneficial effects on intestinal homeostasis and energy metabolism. With anti-inflammatory properties, butyrate enhances intestinal barrier function and mucosal immunity. However, the role of butyrate in obesity remains controversial. Growing evidence has highlighted the impact of butyrate on the gut-brain axis. In this review, we summarize the present knowledge on the properties of butyrate, especially its potential effects and mechanisms involved in intestinal health and obesity.

Use of gastric-acid suppressants may be a risk factor for enteric peritonitis in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: A meta-analysis

“…Furthermore, an age‐ and sex‐matched study showed that the population of the genera Faecalibacterium was decreased significantly in PPI users . As a product of Faecalibacterium , butyrate could enhance intestinal barrier function and mucosal immunity, which might prevent translocation of enteric bacteria into the peritoneal cavity . Third, GASs might impair the function of immune cells against bacterial translocation.…”

“…40 As a product of Faecalibacterium, butyrate could enhance intestinal barrier function and mucosal immunity, which might prevent translocation of enteric bacteria into the peritoneal cavity. 41 Third, GASs might impair the function of immune cells against bacterial translocation. Haas In subgroups based on use of different types of GASs, a metaanalysis by Khan and colleagues on patients with cirrhosis demonstrated that H 2 RAs (OR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.15-3.24, I 2 = 0%) and…”

The intestinal microbiome and Alzheimer's disease: A review

“…It increases the mitochondrial respiration rate and ATP production. Butyrate is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that induces the sprouting of dendrites, increases the number of synapses, and reinstates learning behavior and access to long‐term memories . Butyrate can facilitate increased gut intestine motility by stimulating cholinergic neurons of the ENS, whereas propionate decreases motility and increases secretion.…”

Omega‐3‐rich Isochrysis sp. biomass enhances brain docosahexaenoic acid levels and improves serum lipid profile and antioxidant status in Wistar rats

“…A comprehensive review has clearly explained the role of amino acids in gut‐microbiome immune crosstalk, which improves the intestinal homeostasis . Other related studies on pig models showed that the use of sodium butyrate and moderate dietary protein to control weaning diarrhea improves ileal barrier function . Previous studies reported that the whole microalgal biomass can be used as an animal feed supplement .…”

“…9,10 Other related studies on pig models showed that the use of sodium butyrate and moderate dietary protein to control weaning diarrhea improves ileal barrier function. [11][12][13] Previous studies reported that the whole microalgal biomass can be used as an animal feed supplement. [14][15][16] The use of whole biomass as food supplementation has been studied in rodents, and has shown improved serum lipid profile, omega-3 index, and erythrocyte plasticity.…”