The Combinatorial Effect of Acetate and Propionate on High-Fat Diet Induced Diabetic Inflammation or Metaflammation and T Cell Polarization

High-fat diet (HFD) alters the gut microbiota and its fermentation products mainly acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Butyrate is well studied as a regulator of host metabolism and inflammation while acetate and propionate still need to be studied. Therefore, we aim to decipher the role of acetate and propionate alone and in combination in HFD-induced diabetic mice. HFD was given to mice for 4 months followed by treatment of butyrate, acetate, and propionate as well as acetate + propionate in combination for 1 month. Diabetic outcome was confirmed by evaluating fasting glucose, lipid profile, oral glucose tolerance test, % HbA1c, fasting insulin, and glucagon. To check the immune response, spleen and mesenteric lymph node-specific T cell polarization and serum cytokine profile were studied. HFD-fed mice showed increased body weight and diabetic characteristics while treatment with acetate and propionate regulated their levels in a healthy manner similar to butyrate. In HFD-fed mice, Th1 and Th17 cells were increased while Treg cells were decreased along with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased IL-10 in serum. The T cell polarization and cytokine profile was reversed by the treatment of acetate and propionate alone and in combination. Acetate reduced the levels of IL-1 beta and IL-6 and acetate + propionate reduced IL-6 more significantly than butyrate. Although, we did not find any synergistic effect in combination group, the results were better compared with acetate, propionate, and butyrate. In conclusion, acetate + propionate effectively reduced inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity in HFD-induced diabetic mice.

Automated summary

In this study, acetate and propionate were found to regulate the levels in the body similarly to butyrate when treating HFD-induced diabetic mice, reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity.