Work

Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) Modulate the Hepatic Glucose and Lipid Metabolism of Coilia nasus via the FFAR/AMPK Signaling Pathway In Vitro

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The expansion of intensive aquaculture has heightened metabolic dysregulation in fish caused by high-glucose and high-lipid (HG-HL) diets, contributing to growth retardation and hepatic pathologies. Using Coilia nasus hepatocytes, this study investigated the regulatory effects of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) on glucose-lipid metabolism. In vitro HG-HL exposure elevated intracellular glucose, triglycerides (TG), and cholesterol; suppressed catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD); and dysregulated metabolic genes (upregulated phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase; downregulated glucokinase and hormone-sensitive lipase). Co-treatment with acetate and propionate reversed these anomalies, reducing TG and cholesterol, restoring antioxidant capacity (SOD and CAT), and normalizing gene expression patterns. Molecular docking suggested potential binding interactions between SCFAs and free fatty acid receptor (FFAR2/3). This study provided initial evidence suggesting SCFAs might attenuate HG-HL-induced metabolic stress in a teleost model, potentially involving FFAR-related pathways and AMPK-associated responses. The findings contribute to understanding SCFA-mediated metabolic regulation in fish, offering preliminary support for developing dietary interventions to manage aquacultural metabolic syndromes.

Source: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/ijms26083654

Authors: Jun Gao, Qi Mang, Yi Sun, Gangchun Xu

Institutions: Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University

Language: English

Topic: Aquaculture Nutrition and Growth

Subfield: Aquatic Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499