Evidence for the gut microbiota short-chain fatty acids as key pathophysiological molecules improving diabetes

Mediators Inflamm. 2014:2014:162021. doi: 10.1155/2014/162021. Epub 2014 Aug 17.

Abstract

In type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, increased inflammation, and oxidative stress were shown to be associated with the progressive deterioration of beta-cell function and mass. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are organic fatty acids produced in the distal gut by bacterial fermentation of macrofibrous material that might improve type 2 diabetes features. Their main beneficial activities were identified in the decrease of serum levels of glucose, insulin resistance as well as inflammation, and increase in protective Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion. In this review, we updated evidence on the effects of SCFAs potentially improving metabolic control in type 2 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / metabolism
  • Fatty Acids, Volatile / metabolism*
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / microbiology*
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Microbiota / physiology*

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Volatile
  • Glucose