The Role of Short Chain Fatty Acids in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that is characterized by abdominal pain and disordered bowel habits. The etiology of IBS is multifactorial, including abnormal gut-brain interactions, visceral hypersensitivity, altered colon motility, and psychological factors. Recent studies have shown that the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) may be involved in the pathogenesis of IBS. SCFAs play an important role in the pathophysiology of IBS. We discuss the underlying mechanisms of action of SCFAs in intestinal inflammation and immunity, intestinal barrier integrity, motility, and the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Limited to previous studies, further studies are required to investigate the mechanisms of action of SCFAs in IBS and provide more precise therapeutic strategies for IBS. (J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2022;28:540-548)

Automated summary

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and disordered bowel habits. Recent studies have shown that the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), may play a role in the pathogenesis of IBS. SCFAs have been found to be involved in intestinal inflammation and immunity, intestinal barrier integrity, motility, and the microbiota-gut-brain axis.