The role of intestinal microbiota and its metabolite short-chain fatty acids in hypertriglyceridemia-associated acute pancreatitis

TL;DR

This review explores how gut bacteria and their short-chain fatty acids may help treat a severe form of pancreatitis linked to high triglycerides.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of the role of short-chain fatty acids in hypertriglyceridemia-associated acute pancreatitis and their therapeutic potential.

Findings

Short-chain fatty acids modulate gut microbiota and enhance intestinal barrier integrity in HLAP.

SCFAs reduce systemic inflammation and promote pancreatic tissue repair in HLAP.

SCFAs show potential as therapeutic targets for managing HLAP through gut-centered interventions.

Abstract

Hypertriglyceridemia-associated acute pancreatitis (HLAP) is a severe gastrointestinal condition characterized by an increased risk of multiple organ dysfunction and elevated mortality. Intestinal microbiota, often described as the second human genome, plays a key role in maintaining gastrointestinal and systemic homeostasis. Among its various metabolites, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are particularly abundant and functionally significant. Current evidence indicates a strong relationship between SCFAs and the pathogenesis and progression of HLAP. SCFAs contribute to the restoration of intestinal homeostasis by modulating the composition of gut microbiota, enhancing the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier, and regulating mucosal immune responses. Furthermore, SCFAs attenuate systemic inflammatory responses, promote pancreatic tissue repair, and reduce the risk of multiple organ dysfunction. These protective effects indicate that SCFAs represent a promising therapeutic target for gut-centered interventions in HLAP. This review summarizes the changes in intestinal microbiota and SCFA levels following HLAP onset, elucidates the underlying mechanisms by which SCFAs exert protective effects, and evaluates their potential therapeutic applications, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the development of gut-targeted strategies in the management of HLAP.

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