Role of short chain fatty acids in gut health and possible therapeutic approaches in inflammatory bowel diseases

Author(s)

Caetano, Marcos Antonio Ferreira ; Castelucci, Patricia

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: WORLD JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CASES; v. 10, n. 28, p. 19-pg., 2022-10-06.

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are characterized by inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and include Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease. These diseases are costly to health services, substantially reduce patients' quality of life, and can lead to complications such as cancer and even death. Symptoms include abdominal pain, stool bleeding, diarrhea, and weight loss. The treatment of these diseases is symptomatic, seeking disease remission. The intestine is colonized by several microorganisms, such as fungi, viruses, and bacteria, which constitute the intestinal microbiota (IM). IM bacteria promotes dietary fibers fermentation and produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that exert several beneficial effects on intestinal health. SCFAs can bind to G protein-coupled receptors, such as GPR41 and GPR43, promoting improvements in the intestinal barrier, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Thus, SCFAs could be a therapeutic tool for IBDs. However, the mechanisms involved in these beneficial effects of SCFAs remain poorly understood. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a review addressing the main aspects of IBDs, and a more detailed sight of SCFAs, focusing on the main effects on different aspects of the intestine with an emphasis on IBDs. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/25927-2 - Morphological, molecular and functional aspects of the interaction between the P2X7 receptor and pannexin-1 in the enteric glial cells following intestinal ischemia/reperfusion
• Grantee: Patricia Castelucci
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/07862-1 - Study of the effect of experimental ulcerative colitis on the enteric nervous system of P2X7 receptor deficient mice (P2X7-/-)
• Grantee: Patricia Castelucci
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants