Targeting short-chain fatty acids receptors signalling for neurological disorders treatment

Abstract

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) play a key role regulating immune and metabolic homeostasis. Consequently, dysregulation in SCFA levels is involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune, inflammatory, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disorders. These metabolites are generated by gut microbiota, and their production is influenced mainly by diet. Here, an overview is provided of how SCFA production is associated with diet and with neurological disorders. The mechanisms by which SCFAs exert beneficial effects are analysed, along with how their production may be boosted by diet and how the use of specific dietary interventions might improve the outcome of neurological diseases.

Keywords

• short-chain fatty acids
• autoimmunity
• microbiota
• gut-brain axis