Cited by 2,721Gut microbiota and healthMicrobial Metabolites in Food BiotechnologyGastrointestinal motility and disorders

Review article: the role of butyrate on colonic function

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HAMER, H. M., JONKERS, D., VENEMA, K., VANHOUTVIN, S., TROOST, F. J., BRUMMER, R.‐J.·2008·Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Abstract

Summary: Background Butyrate, a short‐chain fatty acid, is a main end‐product of intestinal microbial fermentation of mainly dietary fibre. Butyrate is an important energy source for intestinal epithelial cells and plays a role in the maintenance of colonic homeostasis. Aim To provide an overview on the present knowledge of the bioactivity of butyrate, emphasizing effects and possible mechanisms of action in relation to human colonic function. Methods A PubMed search was performed to select relevant publications using the search terms: ‘butyrate, short‐chain fatty acid, fibre, colon, inflammation, carcinogenesis, barrier, oxidative stress, permeability and satiety’. Results Butyrate exerts potent effects on a variety of colonic mucosal functions such as inhibition of inflammation and carcinogenesis, reinforcing various components of the colonic defence barrier and decreasing oxidative stress. In addition, butyrate may promote satiety. Two important mechanisms include the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B activation and histone deacetylation. However, the observed effects of butyrate largely depend on concentrations and models used and human data are still limited. Conclusion Although most studies point towards beneficial effects of butyrate, more human in vivo studies are needed to contribute to our current understanding of butyrate‐mediated effects on colonic function in health and disease.

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Crossref · 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03562.x

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Authors
HAMER, H. M., JONKERS, D., VENEMA, K., VANHOUTVIN, S., TROOST, F. J., & BRUMMER, R. ‐.
Affiliations
  • Maastricht University (NL)
  • TiFN (NL)
Corresponding author
HAMER, H. M.
Venue
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2007-10-26
Volume
27
Issue
2
Pages
104-119
ISSN
  • 0269-2813 (ISSN-L)
  • 1365-2036
OpenAlex
W1934624334
Cited by
2,721
References
213
Citations by year
2026: 116 · 2025: 195 · 2024: 203 · 2023: 203 · 2022: 207 · 2021: 238 · 2020: 201 · 2019: 196 · 2018: 176 · 2017: 147 · 2016: 159 · 2015: 134 · 2014: 124 · 2013: 113 · 2012: 78
FWCI
3.46
Type
journal article
Language
en
Locations
  • Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Research Publications (Maastricht University) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • TNO Repository (submittedVersion)
  • Repository hosted by TU Delft Library (TU Delft) (submittedVersion)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion)
  • Research Publications (Maastricht University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Gut microbiota and health
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Microbial Metabolites in Food Biotechnology
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Gastroenterology › Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
Keywords
butyrate, short-chain fatty acids, colonic function, colonic mucosa, intestinal epithelial cells, dietary fiber fermentation, colonic inflammation, colorectal carcinogenesis, intestinal barrier, oxidative stress, satiety, NF-κB inhibition, histone deacetylation
MeSH terms
Animals, Butyrates, Child, Preschool, Colon, Colonic Neoplasms, Dietary Fiber, Enema, Fatty Acids, Volatile, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Inflammation, Intestinal Mucosa, Rabbits, Satiation, Oxidative Stress, Carbohydrate Metabolism, Rats

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