Metabolic Regulation via Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)
Microbiota and Clinical Diseases: Translational Insights Across Specialties, NOVA Publications , ss.237-250, 2026
- Yayın Türü: Kitapta Bölüm / Araştırma Kitabı
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Yayınevi: NOVA Publications
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.237-250
- Anahtar Kelimeler: energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, short-chain fatty acids
- Kütahya Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This chapter comprehensively discusses the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)—in particular acetate, propionate, and butyrate—in the regulation of host metabolism. SCFAs are synthesized by the gut microbiota as a result of the fermentation of complex carbohydrates, especially dietary fiber. These compounds, which are used as energy substrates in colonocytes, also enter the systemic circulation and function as metabolic signaling molecules in various organs and tissues. SCFAs play an active role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, energy homeostasis, appetite control, and influencing immune responses. These effects are mediated by the activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) such as GPR41 (FFA3/FFAR3), GPR43 (FFA2/FFAR2), and GPR109A, which in turn modulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY) as well as metabolic processes. In addition, SCFAs can regulate gene expression at the epigenetic level by acting as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. The biosynthetic pathways, mechanisms of intestinal absorption, inter-tissue distribution, and receptor-mediated processes of metabolic regulation of SCFAs have been described in detail. These microbiota-derived bioactive metabolites are among the important regulatory elements that provide homeostatic balance due to their wide-ranging effects on host physiology.