Short-chain fatty acids in ulcerative colitis: integrating metabolic fate, dynamic biomarkers, and precision delivery (opens in new tab)

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by gut dysbiosis and impaired mucosal metabolism, positioning short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as pivotal mediators. This review moves beyond general mechanisms, offering an in-depth analysis of SCFA metabolic fate, including specific transporters (e.g., monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) and sodium-coupled monocarboxylate transporter 1 (SMCT1)), the concept of “colon fuel priority,” and their systemic distribution bypassing first-pass hepatic metabol...