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Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA), Stool

Includes 7 tests
Faeces
3 Days
60€

The short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the major class of metabolites produced in the large bowel by the anaerobic gut microbiome, and they play an essential role in a wide variety of human diseases, including autoimmune diabetes, non-alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, neurodevelopmental disorders, atherosclerosis, obesity, some immune dysfunctions, cardiovascular diseases, and kidney diseases. 

SCFAs may be the most important link between diet, gut microbiota, and human health.

More information

It is well known that multiple factors can alter the normal composition of the gut microbiota favoring the onset of intestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, and colorectal cancer. The diet represents one of the main documented elements responsible for changes in the structural and functional relationship between gut microbiota and the host. The fermentative bacterial metabolism of dietary components, especially indigestible fibers, produces a large amount of biologically active compounds such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

SCFAs are saturated fatty acids composed of one to six carbons of which acetic (C2), propionic (C3), and butyric (C4) are in the largest quantity with a generally constant respective molecular ratio of 60:20:20 in the colon as well as in the feces. Besides these, other SCFAs, such as iso-Butyric (C4), valeric (C5), and iso-Valeric (C5), are present in lower amounts. They can be absorbed by the colonic epithelium providing energy or entering the bloodstream playing a relevant role in the regulation of the metabolism of fatty acids, glucose, and cholesterol. Moreover, thanks to their ability to induce the production of antimicrobial peptides and to modulate the number and functions of Regulatory T cells (Tregs), SCFAs contribute to the modulation of host immune responses. An unhealthy gut microbiome status is responsible for a reduction of SCFAs’ concentration, which is essential for the host in order to prevent intestinal diseases. In fact, they preserve the epithelial barrier functionality and contrast the onset of inflammatory reactions by the transcriptional regulation of tight junction proteins, particularly the claudin-1, and particularly butyrate, which may block the translocation of lipopolysaccharide, which is a potent pro-inflammatory molecule. In addition, the SCFAs sustain the proliferation and differentiation of colonocytes and protect colonic epithelium by increasing the expression of mucin 2 and modulating both oxidative stress and immune response.

Different studies have well documented an alteration in SCFAs’ composition in some human pathologies, such as IBD, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and cancer and for this reason, they represent a target to measure intestinal health and have been proposed as potential diagnostic biomarkers. Moreover, the SCFAs’ evaluation in stool samples is a faster and more reliable method to highlight the presence of an intestinal dysbiosis instead of the microbiota characterization. Besides, genomics approaches cannot shed light on real fermentation processes and functional microbiota changes (metabolite production).

SCFAs have numerous mechanistic links to host health and may play important roles in energy metabolism, promotion of satiety, maintenance of gut barrier function, immune function, anti-inflammatory responses, and colon carcinogenesis. They are readily absorbed through the colonic lumen and account for roughly 10% of the daily caloric intake. Beneficially, they may reduce plasma free fatty acids, cholesterol, and glucose levels. SCFAs act as an energy source for colonocytes via beta-oxidation, as well as influence cell proliferation rates by releasing growth factors, modulating mucosal blood flow, and through genes involved with the cell cycle.

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Step 2

Sampling

We send you the certified package - sampling collection kit, to collect your sample, always in accordance with the instructions contained within the kit.

Step 3

Sending your sample

After you have collected your sample, place it in the prepaid shipping package, contact the courier company and send it to our certified laboratory.

Step 4

Receiving the test results

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Step 1

Book an appointment and buy the test online

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Step 2

Sampling

Visit the certified laboratory of Diagnostiki Athinon on the date and time you have chosen, to perform the sampling.

Step 3

Receiving the test results

Download your test results easily and securely anytime you want by logging in to your personal account.

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