Intestinal Microbiota-Derived Short Chain Fatty Acids in Host Health and Disease

Intestinal microbiota has its role as an important component of human physiology. It produces metabolites that module key functions to establish a symbiotic crosstalk with their host. Among them, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced by intestinal bacteria during the fermentation of partially and non-digestible polysaccharides, play key roles in regulating colon physiology and changing intestinal environment. Recent research has found that SCFAs not only influence the signal transduction pathway in the gut, but they also reach tissues and organs outside of the gut, through their circulation in the blood. Growing evidence highlights the importance of SCFAs level in influencing health maintenance and disease development. SCFAs are probably involved in the management of host health in a complicated (positive or negative) way. Here, we review the current understanding of SCFAs effects on host physiology and discuss the potential prevention and therapeutics of SCFAs in a variety of disorders. It provides a systematic theoretical basis for the study of mechanisms and precise intake level of SCFAs to promote human health.

Automated summary

Intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in human physiology by producing metabolites, such as short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which regulate colon physiology and influence the intestinal environment. Recent research has shown that SCFAs not only affect the gut's signal transduction pathway but also reach tissues and organs outside of the gut through the bloodstream. The level of SCFAs is increasingly recognized as important for maintaining health and preventing disease. This review provides a systematic theoretical basis for studying the mechanisms and precise intake levels of SCFAs to promote human health.