Short chain fatty acids: the messengers from down below

Abstract

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced by the metabolism of dietary fibers in the gut, have wide-ranging effects locally and throughout the body. They modulate the enteric and central nervous systems, benefit anti-inflammatory pathways, and serve as energy sources. Recent research reveals SCFAs as crucial communicators between the gut and brain, forming the gut-brain axis. This perspective highlights key findings and discusses signaling mechanisms connecting SCFAs to the brain. By shedding light on this link, the perspective aims to inspire innovative research in this rapidly developing field.

Staphylococcus aureus Infections and Human Intestinal Microbiota

“…Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), mainly acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, are a group of bacterial metabolites produced by specific bacteria in the intestinal tract [ 127 ]. As discussed above, SCFAs play a critical role in S. aureus infections.…”

“…Treatments of sodium propionate, sodium butyrate, and probiotics (butyrate-producing bacteria) could reverse the changes in the blood–milk barrier and reduce the severity of mastitis induced by S. aureus in a mouse model [ 18 ]. SCFAs have been found to have multiple effects on both the local intestine and more distal organs, e.g., the brain [ 127 ]. Using SCFAs as a potential treatment for or the prevention of S. aureus infections is more than possible.…”

“…Therefore, an alternative and promising approach to therapeutic development should focus on maintaining gut microbial homeostasis through prebiotics, bacterial peptides, or fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), further limiting susceptibility to S. aureus infection. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), mainly acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, are a group of bacterial metabolites produced by specific bacteria in the intestinal tract [127]. As discussed above, SCFAs play a critical role in S. aureus infections.…”

“…The other potential therapeutic methods for S. aureus infections could be probiotics, which have been used to enhance body immunity, improve digestive system health, and Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), mainly acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, are a group of bacterial metabolites produced by specific bacteria in the intestinal tract [127]. As discussed above, SCFAs play a critical role in S. aureus infections.…”

The Immunomodulatory Potential of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Multiple Sclerosis

“…Acetate (C2), propionate (C3), butyrate (C4) and valerate (C5) ( Figure 1 ) collectively play complex roles between gut microbiota and host health. After intestinal absorption, the SCFAs cross into the systemic circulation and exert their effects both at a cellular and molecular level [ 16 ]. Unlike SCFA, medium-chain fatty acids are sourced directly from the diet and are generated by the liver through peroxisomal beta-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids.…”