Define physiological effects of SCFA?
The physiological effects of SCFA's can be summarized as follows. They:
- Lower the ph in the gastrointestinal tract, which in turn reduces the colonization of pathogenic bacteria (acid-sensitive). Lowering of ph also increases ionization of toxic compound, thereby reducing their absorption,
- Stimulate colonic blood flow and motor activity,
- Enhance water and electrolyte absorption,
- Stimulate colonocyte proliferation,
- Butyrate is a preferred substrate for colonocyte and contributes to energy needs of the colonic epithelial cell. Acetate and to a lesser extent propionate are absorbed into the system and contribute to energy needs of the host.
- Butyrate enhances DNA stabilization and repair, induces apoptosis in potential cancer cells and thus promote a normal cell phenotype.