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Review
. 2024 Sep;39(9):1728-1736.
doi: 10.1111/jgh.16619. Epub 2024 May 23.

Short-chain fatty acids: bridges between diet, gut microbiota, and health

Ling-Yun Wang  1   2 , Li-Hong He  2   3 , Li-Jun Xu  4 , Shi-Bo Li  1
Affiliations
Review

Short-chain fatty acids: bridges between diet, gut microbiota, and health

Ling-Yun Wang et al. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024 Sep.

Abstract

In recent years, gut microbiota has become a hot topic in the fields of medicine and life sciences. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the main metabolites of gut microbiota produced by microbial fermentation of dietary fiber, play a vital role in healthy and ill hosts. SCFAs regulate the process of metabolism, immune, and inflammation and have therapeutic effects on gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, as well as antitumor properties. This review summarized the production, distribution, and molecular mechanism of SCFAs, as well as their mechanisms of action in healthy and ill hosts. In addition, we also emphasized the negative effects of SCFAs, aiming to provide the public with a more comprehensive understanding of SCFAs.

Keywords: SCFAs; gut microbiota; immune; inflammation; metabolism.

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