Short-Chain Fatty Acid Fermentation Products of Plant Fiber Affect Glucose Metabolism of Isolated Rat Hepatocytes

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Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) produced during fermentation of plant fibers and absorbed from the colon may affect hepatic glucose metabolism. The effects of different fatty acids on rates of glucose production and glycolysis were examined in isolated rat hepatocytes. Acetate, butyrate and long-chain fatty acids significnalty increased glucose production from lactate. Propionate and valerate significantly decreased glucose production from lactate. Whereas 5 mM butyrate increased the incorporation of [14C]lactate into [14C]glucose by 80%, 5 mM propionate produced a 67% decrease. Glycolysis was significantly decreased by acetate, butyrate and long-chain fatty acids. Propionate and valerate significantly increased glycolysis. Propionate, which inhibits hepatic acetate metabolism, acts to increase glucose use and decrease glucose production. Plant fibers may influence hepatic glucose metabolism via their SCFA metabolites.