Editorial
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2015.
World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. Nov 15, 2015; 6(4): 110-119
Published online Nov 15, 2015. doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v6.i4.110
Table 3 Gross mechanisms involved in short-chain fatty acids-induced obesity
Butyrate
A major energy source for colonocytes
Involved in cellular apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation
Possesses metabolic effects like increase in mitochondrial activity, prevention of metabolic endotoxemia and activation of intestinal gluconeogenesis
Improves insulin sensitivity and increases energy expenditure by improving mitochondrial function resulting in reduction of obesity
Increases intestinal barrier function - an antiinflammatory potential
Protects against diet-induced obesity without causing hypophagia - the action being mediated through stimulation of anorexigenic gut hormones
Increases the expression of the gene coding for synthesis of leptin
Propionate
Increases the expression of the gene coding for synthesis of leptin
Protects against diet-induced obesity without causing hypophagia - the mechanism being similar to butyrate
Decreases cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme acetyl-CoA synthetase
Acts as a precursor for hepatic gluconeogenesis thereby decreasing the hepatic synthesis of cholesterol
Inhibits the expression of resistin in human adipose tissue
Acetate
Acts as a substrate for lipogenesis and cholesterol synthesis in liver and other tissues
Gives protection against diet-induced obesity without causing hypophagia