Roles of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

The gut microbiome is a diverse bacterial community in the human gastrointestinal tract that plays important roles in a variety of biological processes. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are produced through fermentation of dietary fiber. Certain microbes in the gut are responsible for producing SCFAs such as acetate, propionate and butyrate. An imbalance in gut microbiome diversity can lead to metabolic disorders and inflammation-related diseases. Changes in SCFA levels and associated microbiota were observed in IBD, suggesting an association between SCFAs and disease. The gut microbiota and SCFAs affect reactive oxygen species (ROS) associated with IBD. Gut microbes and SCFAs are closely related to IBD, and it is important to study them further.

Novel immune cross-talk between inflammatory bowel disease and IgA nephropathy

“…Once acetate is activated, FFAR2 promotes and mediates the production of IgA [ 57 ], whose deposition in the glomerular mesangium is a feature of IgAN [ 58 ]. Notably, the disease activity was associated with reduced SCFAs in IBD [ 59 , 60 ]. SCFAs alleviate the clinical symptoms and pathological damage related to IgAN [ 61 ], and intestinal fatty acid levels are remarkably decreased in patients with IgA [ 62 , 63 ].…”

Crosstalk between hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and short-chain fatty acids in inflammatory bowel disease: key clues toward unraveling the mystery

“…Besides, butyrate also enhances nutrient absorption in the gut by modulating NLRP3 pathway, providing further nourishment ( 141 , 142 ). The energy from SCFAs is essential for regulating IEC activities such as proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, which are critical for maintaining IEB integrity, intestinal energy metabolism, and immune regulation ( 22 , 143 ). The “starving gut” hypothesis posits that IBD stems from mucosal malnutrition and energy deficiency associated with SCFAs scarcity, mainly manifesting as IEB defects and the persistence of the disease ( 139 , 144 , 145 ).…”

“…Recent studies have validated the significant physiological and pathological roles of SCFAs in maintaining IEB function, modulating gut immunity, and sustaining microbial homeostasis ( 21 ). Consequently, dysregulation of gut metabolites, especially SCFAs, is considered a key factor in causing IBD-related intestinal inflammation and IEB dysfunction ( 22 ). During IBD development, HIF-1α is also regulated by SCFAs, with complex pathways and effects, particularly on IEB function and gut immunity.…”

Krill Oil and Its Bioactive Components as a Potential Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Insights from In Vivo and In Vitro Studies

“…The intestinal metabolome of IBD patients is disordered and is characterised by an imbalance of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids, and tryptophan [108]. A primary source of energy for colon cells, SCFAs have a significant impact on intestinal homeostasis, energy metabolism, and immune response modulation [109]. Levels of SCFAs, butyrate, propionate, and acetate indirectly reflect the metabolic activities of intestinal microbiota, which have long been believed to preserve the intestinal epithelium integrity in IBD inflammation [110,111].…”