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Short-chain fatty acids and insulin sensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Nhan H T Pham1,2, Mugdha V Joglekar1, Wilson K M Wong1
1are with the Diabetes and Islet Biology Group, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia.
Context:
There is substantial evidence that reduced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the gut are associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, although findings from clinical interventions that can increase SCFAs are inconsistent.
Objective:
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effect of SCFA interventions on fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).
Data Sources:
Relevant articles published up to July 28, 2022, were extracted from PubMed and Embase using the MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms of the defined keywords [(short-chain fatty acids) AND (obesity OR diabetes OR insulin sensitivity)] and their synonyms. Data analyses were performed independently by two researchers who used the Cochrane meta-analysis checklist and the PRISMA guidelines.
Data Extraction:
Clinical studies and trials that measured SCFAs and reported glucose homeostasis parameters were included in the analysis. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95%CIs were calculated using a random-effects model in the data extraction tool Review Manager version 5.4 (RevMan 5.4). The risk-of-bias assessment was performed following the Cochrane checklist for randomized and crossover studies.
Data Analysis:
In total, 6040 nonduplicate studies were identified, 23 of which met the defined criteria, reported fasting insulin, fasting glucose, or HOMA-IR values, and reported change in SCFA concentrations post intervention. Meta-analyses of these studies indicated that fasting insulin concentrations were significantly reduced (overall effect: SMD = -0.15; 95%CI = -0.29 to -0.01, P = 0.04) in treatment groups, relative to placebo groups, at the end of the intervention. Studies with a confirmed increase in SCFAs at the end of intervention also had a significant effect on lowering fasting insulin (P = 0.008). Elevated levels of SCFAs, compared with baseline levels, were associated with beneficial effects on HOMA-IR (P < 0.00001). There was no significant change in fasting glucose concentrations.
Conclusion:
Increased postintervention levels of SCFAs are associated with lower fasting insulin concentrations, offering a beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity.
Systematic Review Registration:
PROSPERO registration number CRD42021257248.
