Propionate absorbed from the colon acts as gluconeogenic substrate in a strict carnivore, the domestic cat (Felis catus)

Abstract

In six normal-weight and six obese cats, the metabolic effect of propionate absorbed from the colon was assessed. Two colonic infusions were tested in a crossover design with intervals of 4 weeks. The test solution contained 4 mmol sodium propionate per kg ideal body weight in a 0.2% NaCl solution. Normal saline was given as control solution. Solutions were infused into the hindgut over 30 min. Blood samples were obtained prior to and at various time points after starting the infusion. As body condition did not affect evaluated parameters, all data were pooled. Plasma glucose concentrations showed differences neither over time nor during or after infusion with propionate or control. Plasma amino acid concentrations rose over time (p < 0.001), but were similar for both infusions. Plasma propionylcarnitine rose markedly towards the end of the propionate infusion and decreased afterwards (p < 0.001), whereas 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarylcarnitine was lower 30 (p = 0.005) and 60 min (p = 0.032) after ending propionate infusions and acetylcarnitine tended to fall at the same time points (p = 0.079; p = 0.080), suggesting inhibition of gluconeogenesis from pyruvate and amino acids, but initiation of propionate-induced gluconeogenesis. In conclusion, propionate absorbed from the colon is hypothesized to act as gluconeogenic substrate, regardless of the cat's body condition.

Anti-diabetic effects of soluble and insoluble dietary fibre from deoiled cumin in low-dose streptozotocin and high glucose-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetic rats

“…Cellulose and inulin increased the concentrations of acetate, butyrate, and propionate. A possible explanation is that SDF and inulin are highly fermentable and serve as substrates for intestinal bacteria, whereas IDF and cellulose are non-fermentable, and one of the mechanisms underlying alleviation of butyrate and propionate involves inhibition of cellular oxidative stress, inflammation, glucose and lipid metabolism disorders (Holt et al, 2009;Verbrugghe et al, 2012;Zapolska-Downar et al, 2004).…”

“…SCFA plays important roles in energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, lipogenesis regulation, and immune regulation processes (Hanson & Ballard, 1967;Verbrugghe et al, 2012;Zapolska-Downar et al, 2004).…”

Normal Glucose Metabolism in Carnivores Overlaps with Diabetes Pathology in Non-Carnivores

“…Cheetahs fed whole prey had different colonic short chain fatty acid profiles and lower colonic propionate concentrations than when they were fed meat alone (138). Colonic propionate can be used by felids as a substrate for gluconeogenesis, as described in a study in the domestic cat (139). There is also evidence that captivity may alter diet choices and feeding ecology of dolphins.…”

Effects of dietary inulin on bacterial growth, short-chain fatty acid production and hepatic lipid metabolism in gnotobiotic mice

“…This situation occurs after ingestion of diets rich in fermentable fibers, which are associated with high concentrations of acetate and propionate in the portal vein [5,6]. Furthermore, propionate is hypothesized to act as a gluconeogenic substrate [7]. This clearly shows that the role of SCFA in energy metabolism has not yet been completely elucidated.…”