[The effect of short-chain fatty acids on expression of endothelial adhesion molecules stimulated by oxidatively...

Adhesion and migration of mononuclear leukocytes into the vascular wall is a crucial step in atherogenesis. Expression of cell adhesion molecules by endothelial cells plays a leading role in this process. Natural short-chain fatty acids produced by bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber have been attributed with antiatherogenic properties.

This in vitro study has been conceived in an attempt to shed light on the mechanisms responsible for the modulatory effect of short-chain fatty acids in atherogenesis. The following conclusions have been drawn. Butyrate and propionate are selective inhibitors of ox-LDL-stimulated VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression with a mechanism of action involving reduced protein and specific mRNA production through inhibition of NF-kappaB activation. Suppressed expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 was associated with reduced adherence of monocytes and lymphocytes to ox-LDL stimulated endothelial cells.

Butyrate and propionate may have anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic properties partly attributable to an inhibitory effect on NF-kappaB activation.