Could the use of butyric acid have a positive effect on microbiota and treatment of type 2 diabetes?

E. Stachowska, M. Wiśniewska, A. Dzieżyc, A. Bohatyrewicz

Department of Human Nutrition and Metabolomics, Pomeranian Medical University, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland. ewa.stachowska@pum.edu.pl

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• Pharmacology

OBJECTIVE: This review focuses on the role of butyrate as one of the key metabolites of gut microbiota. Butyrate along with other short-chain fatty acids, acetate and propionate, is one of the most important regulators of human metabolism. In this review, we discuss how changes in gut microbiota triggered by type 2 diabetes mellitus and its treatment (e.g., metformin) affect butyrate synthesis, how to increase butyrate production and whether there is robust evidence for the positive effects of sodium butyrate in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature review was conducted by all authors. Studies published until 27/03/2020 were included. Search words were: (“butyric acid” OR “butyrate”) AND (“type 2 diabetes “OR ”T2DM”). The articles selected for the study were not chosen in a systematic manner, so the evidence may not be comprehensive.

RESULTS: Butyrate was found to effectively reduce inflammation and plays a prominent role in the function of the intestinal barrier. To date the use of sodium butyrate in the treatment of patients with T2DM is not very popular. Meanwhile, butyric acid can beneficially modulate intestinal functions, counteracting the negative effects of the disease as well as the drugs used to treat diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS: T2DM is a widespread chronic disease. Understanding role of microbiota in type 2 diabetes and the mechanisms connecting T2DM and alterations in gut microbiota could be the key to improved treatment of T2DM.

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