Large Bowel Short Chain Fatty Acid Production, Immune Status And Immune Cell Function: Implications For Chronic Inflammatory Disease

It is thought that short chain fatty acids (SCFA) formed by the fermentation ofdietary fibre carbohydrates by the large bowel microbiota play a key role in lowering therisk of serious diseases including colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.Recent data indicate that the major SCFA (butyrate, propionate and acetate) may have awider role in maintaining human health where they contribute to intestinal homeostasisby regulating immune cell function and inflammatory processes. These effects arethought to occur via activation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPRs) such as GPR43and GPR41 by SCFA which results in regulation of T cell function and production ofanti-inflammatory cytokines. GPR43/41-SCFA interactions in the colon also result insecretion of gut hormones that regulate gut motility and nutrient absorption, appetite andsatiety and there is emerging evidence to indicate that these interactions may influencelipolysis and adipogenesis in the periphery. This chapter outlines current evidence fromin vivo and in vitro studies supporting the potential role of SCFA in inflammation,including the importance of the mode and route of delivery of SCFA and their effects onimmune status. These experimental factors, when considered in combination with asystems biology approach, will delineate how SCFA exert their effects to prevent chronicinflammatory diseases.