Short-chain fatty acids are associated with adiposity, energy and glucose homeostasis among different metabolic phenotypes in the Nutritionists' Health Study

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Solar, Isabela ; Ribeiro, Francieli Barreiro ; Barbosa, Marina Gomes ; Freitas, Renata Germano Borges de Oliveira Nascimento ; Hanada, Alfredo Shigueo ; Ramos, Camila de Oliveira ; Sant'Ana, Marcella Ramos ; Candreva, Thamiris ; de Almeida-Pititto, Bianca ; Tura, Andrea ; Cintra, Dennys Esper ; Geloneze, Bruno ; Ferreira, Sandra Roberta Gouvea ; Vasques, Ana Carolina Junqueira

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ENDOCRINE; v. 80, n. 3, p. 12-pg., 2023-04-08.

Abstract

Background and aimsThe gut microbiome is associated with obesity, mainly mediated by bacteria-produced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). It is unknown how SCFA concentrations are associated with the phenotypes metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW), metabolically healthy obese/overweight (MHO), and metabolically unhealthy obese/overweight (MUO). We compared plasma and fecal SCFA concentrations among adult women categorized according to the metabolic phenotypes mentioned above and examined associations between SCFA and adiposity and components of energy and glucose homeostasis.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study involving 111 participants. Body composition was assessed by DEXA. Energy and glycemic homeostasis were assessed by the standard mixed-meal tolerance test coupled with indirect calorimetry. SCFAs were quantified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.ResultsOnly plasma propionate was increased in the MHNW phenotype compared to the MHO and MUO phenotypes [p < 0.05]. Fecal propionate and butyrate concentrations and plasma propionate concentrations were inversely associated with total and visceral adiposity [p < 0.05]. Fecal and plasma SCFA concentrations were associated with reduced glucose, insulin and HbA1c levels, increased fasting and postprandial GLP-1 levels; and more preserved beta-cell function [p < 0.05]. Fecal and plasma SCFA concentrations were positively correlated with resting energy expenditure and lipid oxidation rate and inversely correlated with the oxidation rate of carbohydrates [p < 0.05].ConclusionThese findings reinforce the concept that fecal and plasma SCFA concentrations are linked to specific components of energy and glucose homeostasis; and body adiposity. However, it was not possible to discriminate the different metabolic phenotypes of adiposity based on the determination of fecal SCFA concentrations. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/10185-9 - Metabolic phenotypes of obesity: associations with short chain fatty acids and components of energy and glycemic homeostasis in the Nutritionists Health Study - NutriHS
• Grantee: Ana Carolina Junqueira Vasques
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/07769-4 - Metabolic Phenotypes of Obesity: Associations with Short Chain Fatty Acids and Components of Energy and Glycemic Homeostasis in the Nutritionists Health Study - NutriHS
• Grantee: Alfredo Shigueo Hanada
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training
• FAPESP's process: 17/24578-2 - Short chain fatty acids in metabolic phenotypes of obesity: associations with dietary consumption, body composition and components of energy and glycemic homeostasis
• Grantee: Isabela Solar
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 19/05450-0 - Plasma profile of short-chain fatty acids and body adiposity: associations with environmental factors in the first years of life in women's participants NutriHS - Nutritionist Health Study
• Grantee: Marina Gomes Barbosa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation