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Updated: Feb 12, 2026
04:29
Investigating Alterations in Caecum Microbiota After Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice
Published on: September 19, 2019
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Monovalerin and trivalerin increase brain acetic acid, decrease liver succinic acid, and alter gut microbiota in rats
Thao Duy Nguyen1,2, Olena Prykhodko3,4, Frida Fåk Hållenius3,4
1Food for Health Science Centre, Lund University, Lund, Sweden. thao_duy.nguyen@food.lth.se.
European Journal of Nutrition
|April 14, 2018
Summary
Monovalerin (MV) and trivalerin (TV) supplementation altered gut microbiota and brain acetic acid levels in rats. These valeric acid esters impacted lipid profiles and bacterial metabolites, suggesting potential roles in metabolic health.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic research
- Microbiome studies
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
- SCFAs may play a role in preventing metabolic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of monovalerin (MV) and trivalerin (TV) on rats fed high-fat diets.
- To assess the impact of these valeric acid esters on metabolic parameters and gut microbiota.
Main Methods:
- Rats were assigned to low-fat or high-fat diets, with or without MV or TV supplementation.
- Analysis included SCFA, succinic acid, microbiota, lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers.
- Measurements were taken from caecum, blood, liver, and brain.
Main Results:
- MV and TV increased brain acetic acid and serum valeric acid, while reducing liver succinic acid.
- The MV group showed a lower liver LDL/HDL ratio and altered caecal microbiota composition (increased Bacteroidetes).
- Brain acetic acid levels correlated with specific bacterial taxa.
Conclusions:
- MV and TV can modify caecal microbiota composition.
- These esters influence bacterial metabolites in the liver, serum, and brain.
- The study indicates potential effects on liver lipid profiles and metabolic health.
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