Role of short chain fatty acids in gut health and possible therapeutic approaches in inflammatory bowel diseases

Figure 1 Production and metabolism of shortchain fatty acids. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced by the intestinal microbiota from the fermentation of dietary fibers. SCFAs are absorbed by colonocytes mainly through monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1), sodium-dependent monocarboxylate transporter 1 (SMCT1) and passive diffusion. At intracellular levels, SCFAs are metabolized and converted into ATP that will serve as energy source for these cells. Unmetabolized SCFAs cross the basolateral membrane and reach the portal circulation. In the liver, SCFAs are used in the synthesis of cholesterol and glucose. Only a small amount of SCFAs not used by the liver reach the systemic circulation[221]. The authors have obtained the permission for figure using from the BioRender.com (Supplementary material).