Microbiome potentiates endurance exercise through intestinal acetate production.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Exercise Physiology
• Metabolic Science

Background:

• The gut microbiome produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from dietary fiber, influencing host physiology.
• SCFAs are known to affect various organs, but their role in exercise metabolism is largely unexplored.
• Endurance exercise relies on major energy substrates like fatty acids and glucose.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of SCFAs produced by the gut microbiome in endurance exercise capacity.
• To determine if SCFAs can serve as energy substrates during physical exertion.

Main Methods:

• Mice were treated with antibiotics or a low-carbohydrate diet to deplete SCFAs.
• Endurance capacity was assessed using treadmill tests.
• SCFA levels in cecum and plasma were measured.
• Acetate was administered via continuous infusion to assess its effect on exercise capacity.
• Fecal microbiome transplantation was performed to evaluate its impact on exercise performance.

Main Results:

• Antibiotic treatment and a low-carbohydrate diet significantly reduced exercise capacity and SCFA levels.
• Continuous acetate infusion in antibiotic-treated mice restored exercise capacity.
• Fecal microbiome transplantation improved running time in mice on a low-carbohydrate diet.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiome contributes to endurance exercise performance through SCFA production.
• Plasma acetate may function as a significant energy substrate during endurance exercise.
• Modulating the gut microbiome and SCFA production offers a potential strategy to enhance exercise capacity.