The Implication of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Obesity and Diabetes

Abstract

Evidence indicates that short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) generated from the gut microbiota play crucial roles in host metabolism. They contribute to metabolic regulation and energy acquisition of the host by influencing the development of metabolic disorders. This review aims to synthesize recent advances from the literature to investigate the implication of SCFAs in the modulation of obesity and diabetes pathologies. For a better understanding of the relationships between SCFAs and host metabolism, we need to answer some questions: What is the biochemistry of SCFAs, and how they are generated by gut microbiota? What are the bacteria producing of SCFAs and from which routes? How SCFAs are absorbed and transported in the gut by different mechanisms and receptors? How SCFAs involved in obesity and diabetes pathologies?

The use of an in vitro fecal fermentation model to uncover the beneficial role of omega-3 and punicic acid in gut microbiota alterations induced by a Western diet

“…Acetyl-CoA is the substrate to produce acetate. 80,81 Although there is a higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the CD group compared to the WD group, this was not translated into an increase in acetate levels in these samples. Interestingly, even though during the fermentation time Fish oil presented significantly lower ( p < 0.05) acetate values in the CD group than in the WD group, the concentration of Bifidobacterium , Bacteroides and Streptococcus was significantly higher in the CD group (Fig.…”

“…Indeed, several peripheral tissues, such as the pancreas, liver, and adipose tissue, express SCFA receptors and are capable of responding to the beneficial effects of such molecules. 81…”

Causal relationship between gut microbiota and autoimmune thyroiditis: A mendelian study

“…Furthermore, butyrate promotes the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides by intestinal epithelial cells, bolstering the innate immune system's ability to combat pathogenic microorganisms [ 22 ]. As previous studies reported, genus Lachnospiraceae, family Alcaligenaceae, family Pasteurellaceae and family Peptostreptococcaceae belong to SCFA-producing bacteria families [ 23 ]. Therefore, their negative association with AIT risk observed in this study suggests that SCFAs produced by certain gut bacteria may play a protective role in AIT pathogenesis [ 24 ], consistent with studies ever reported [ 25 , 26 ].…”

Role of traditional Chinese medicine in age-related macular degeneration: exploring the gut microbiota’s influence

“…SCFAs enter the bloodstream via the intestine, directly influencing the functioning of peripheral tissues and metabolic processes. SCFAs are crucial in regulating gene expression, controlling host metabolic processes (cell proliferation, diversification, and apoptosis), inflammatory reactions, and energy supply ( Abdalkareem Jasim et al, 2022 ; Fillier et al, 2022 ; Rekha et al, 2022 ; Anachad et al, 2023 ; Ney et al, 2023 ). The metabolic responses mediated by SCFA receptors also influence obesity, contributing to AMD ( Tian et al, 2023 ).…”

“…Butyric acid upregulates the lipocalin-mediated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, promoting mitochondrial biosynthesis and fatty acid oxidation by inhibiting histone deacetylases and augmenting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α). SCFAs further ameliorate obesity by decreasing PPAR-α expression, increasing adipose tissue metabolism, and reducing body fat accumulation ( Anachad et al, 2023 ).…”