Research progress on the role of short-chain fatty acids in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

VernacularTitle:短链脂肪酸在溃疡性结肠炎治疗中的作用与研究进展
Author: Huan LIU ¹ ; Xiaoling HUANG ; Jiejie GUO ; Feng GAO
Author Information

1. 新疆维吾尔自治区人民医院消化内科　新疆消化系统疾病临床医学研究中心，乌鲁木齐　830001
Keywords: Ulcerative colitis; Short-chain fatty acid; Intestinal flora; Colorectal cancer
From: Chinese Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2022;30(5):280-286
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as the main energy source for colonic epithelial cells, are becoming one of the important nutritional agents in the treatment of E1 (proctitis) and E2 (left-sided) subtypes of ulcerative colitis. To date, the therapeutic effects of topical SCFAs as primary or adjuvant induction therapy have been studied. However, the specific mechanism of action for SCFAs in the pathogenesis and progression of ulcerative colitis needs further investigation. High-quality prospective studies are required to verify current opinions on the selection of SCFA mixtures and the choice of topical or systemic routes of administration. In addition, SCFA is considered as a promising agent to prevent the occurrence and progression of ulcerative colitis-related colorectal cancer. Therefore, the optimal timing to integrate SCFAs into the treatment of ulcerative colitis represents another future research direction.