Microbiome–host interactions: protective effects of propionate upon the blood–brain barrier
File(s)170548.full.pdf (4.13 MB)
Working paper
Author(s)
Type
Working Paper
Abstract
Breakdown of foodstuffs by the gut microbiota results in the production of the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) acetate, propionate and butyrate. SFCAs are potent bioactive molecules, providing energy for intestinal cells, enhancing satiety and positively influencing metabolic health. They also influence the gut–brain axis. The gut microbiota and/or its bioactive molecules contribute to maintaining the integrity of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), the primary defensive structure of the brain. Propionate is produced by the gut microbiota from the breakdown of glucans found in whole grains, mushrooms and yeast products. It is found in the blood at ≤1 μM. At this physiologically relevant concentration, propionate enhances BBB integrity, mitigating against deleterious inflammatory and oxidative stimuli known to contribute to neurological and psychological diseases. Therefore, there is the potential that dietary supplementation with glucan-containing products may offer protection of the brain against detrimental stimuli.
Date Issued
2018-03-15
Publisher
biorixiv
Copyright Statement
© 2019 The Authors. The copyright holder for this preprint is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under a CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.
Sponsor
Alzheimer's Research UK
Medical Research Council (MRC)
Medical Research Council (MRC)
Identifier
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/170548v3
Grant Number
ARUK-PPG2016B-6
MR/L01632X/1
MR/L01632X/1
Publication Status
Published