Changes of Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Their Receptors in an Obese Rat Model After Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and gut microbiota have health-related effects and are associated with a wide range of disorders. However, the changes of SCFAs and their receptors after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) remain unclear. This study aimed to examine changes of SCFAs and their receptors after SG in an obese rat model. Methods Thirty obese Sprague-Dawley rats eating a high-energy diet for 6 weeks were divided into three groups: sham-operated (SO) control, pair-fed (PF) control, and SG group. Six weeks after the surgery, metabolic parameters, SCFA levels in the blood and stool, mRNA and protein expression of SCFA receptors in the ileum and epididymal fat, and gut microbiota were examined. Results Metabolic parameters in the SG group were significantly improved compared with the SO group. Acetic acid levels in the blood and stool were significantly higher in the SG group than the PF group. The butyric acid level in the stool was also significantly higher in the SG group than in the PF group. In the ileum and epididymal fat, mRNA and protein expression of GPR41 was significantly higher in the SG group than in the other two groups, and mRNA and protein expression of GPR43 was significantly higher in the SG group than in the PF group. Increases in the genera Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, and Clostridium were observed in the stool after SG. Conclusions SG may activate SCFA pathways through a change in gut microbiota.

Automated summary

This study found that sleeve gastrectomy (SG) may activate short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) pathways through a change in gut microbiota. Metabolic parameters showed significant improvement in the SG group. Acetic acid levels in the blood and stool were significantly higher in the SG group. Butyric acid levels in the stool were also significantly higher in the SG group. The expression of SCFA receptors GPR41 and GPR43 in the ileum and epididymal fat was significantly higher in the SG group. Increases in the genera Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, and Clostridium were observed in the stool after SG.