Potential of butyrate to influence food intake in mice and men

In recent years, many studies have been dedicated towards elucidating the role of the intestinal microbiota in metabolic health. It was suggested that specific intestinal microbial compositions can either protect from—or contribute to obesity and metabolic diseases. A causal relation between the microbiota and host metabolic profile was demonstrated when faecal microbiota of lean and obese subjects was transferred into mice, which then exhibited corresponding phenotypes.1 Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have broadly been proposed as key mediators in the microbiota-induced metabolic effects on the host. They are produced by bacterial fermentation of otherwise indigestible nutrients. The most abundant SCFAs are propionate, acetate and butyrate. All have been extensively studied in murine models for their possible influence on colonic health, glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as appetite and energy expenditure. Although various mechanisms by which these SCFAs exert their effect were suggested,2–7

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