Gut microbiota-mediated short-chain fatty acid metabolism (null)

Gut microbiota-mediated short-chain fatty acid metabolism encompasses the production of SCFAs (mainly acetate, propionate, and butyrate) by microbial fermentation of indigestible carbohydrates in the colon and their subsequent absorption by host cells using specific transporters (e.g., monocarboxylate transporter 1/SMCT1). These microbial metabolites play essential roles in host health, including providing energy, regulating lipid and glucose metabolism, maintaining gut barrier function, promoting anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting histone deacetylases, and modulating immune responses. Imbalances in this ecosystem are associated with a variety of diseases, including metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Interventions typically target the microbiota indirectly via diet, prebiotics, probiotics, or antibiotics, rather than directly interacting with a receptor or enzyme.

Other names

Gut microbiota SCFA metabolismGut bacterial SCFA productionIntestinal microbial fermentation (of dietary fiber)Microbial short-chain fatty acid pathway

Indirect modulation: Prebiotics/probiotics alter gut microbial composition and SCFA production. Drugs affecting microbial community can change SCFA output. SCFAs act via host G protein-coupled receptors (e.g., GPR41/FFAR3, GPR43/FFAR2). Inhibition of histone deacetylases by butyrate.