Regulation of Bacterial Pathogenesis by Intestinal Short-Chain Fatty Acids

Abstract

The human gut microbiota is inextricably linked to health and disease. One important function of the commensal organisms living in the intestine is to provide colonization resistance against invading enteric pathogens. Because of the complex nature of the interaction between the microbiota and its host, multiple mechanisms likely contribute to resistance. In this review, we dissect the biological role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which are fermentation end products of the intestinal microbiota, in host–pathogen interactions. SCFA exert an extensive influence on host physiology through nutritional, regulatory, and immunomodulatory functions and can also affect bacterial fitness as a form of acid stress. Moreover, SCFA act as a signal for virulence gene regulation in common enteric pathogens. Taken together, these studies highlight the importance of the chemical environment where the biology of the host, the microbiota, and the pathogen intersects, which provides a basis for designing effective infection prevention and control.

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“…It seems that G. candidtum out compete the proliferation of opportunistic pathogen and colonize in the GI tract of Postlarvae/ fry (Muroga et al, 1987). Thus, improve survival of fry after challenge with S. aureus may be associated with the activation of innate immune defense or decrease in permeability of epithelium for macromolecules and toxins (Sun & O'Riordan,2013).…”

Impact of Dietary Fibers on Nutrient Management and Detoxification Organs: Gut, Liver, and Kidneys

“…SCFAs decrease intestinal pH, which can alter the gut microbiota by inhibiting the growth of pathogens and reduce the expression of microbial virulence genes (63). Recently, it was shown that epithelial cell lines metabolize the SCFA butyrate (and to a lesser extent propionate and acetate), resulting in oxygen reduction that leads to stabilization of the transcription factor, hypoxia-inducible factor 1a (Hif-1a) (64).…”

Impact of the gut microbiota, prebiotics, and probiotics on human health and disease

“…Moreover, SCFAs act as signals for the regulation of virulence genes in enteric pathogens. [30,31] As a whole, SCFAs acidify the luminal pH, which suppresses the growth of pathogens; SCFAs also influence intestinal motility.…”