Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025
Author Spotlight: Gut Microbiome-Lung Tissue Communication Through Short-Chain Fatty Acid Analysis
Published on: June 21, 2024
Quantitative Alterations in Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and
Laura Chulenbayeva1,2, Zharkyn Jarmukhanov1, Karlygash Kaliyekova3
1Laboratory of Microbiome, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan.
Background:
Reduced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) impair the gut barrier and immune function, promoting inflammation and highlighting microbiome-targeted therapies' therapeutic potential. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to study the changes in SCFAs in IBD and their potential role in the occurrence and development of IBD.
Methods:
The analysis employed a random-effects model to assess the standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval. A literature search was conducted in databases from 2014 to 20 July 2024 to identify studies investigating SCFAs in IBD.
Results:
Subgroup analyses revealed a significant reduction in fecal SCFA levels-specifically butyrate, acetate, and propionate-in all IBD subgroups compared to healthy controls. Active IBD showed a greater decrease in butyrate (p = 0.004), and UC showed a notable reduction in propionate (p = 0.03). When comparing UC and CD, differences were observed mainly in propionate (SMD = -0.76, p = 0.00001). Dietary interventions in IBD patients led to increased SCFA levels, with butyrate showing the most improvement (SMD = 1.03), suggesting the potential therapeutic value of dietary modulation.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, this meta-analysis demonstrates a significant reduction in fecal SCFA levels in patients with IBD, particularly during active phases of the disease and most markedly in CD.
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