Short-chain fatty acids and insulin sensitivity: A systematic review and meta-Analysis

Context: There is substantial evidence that reduced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the gut are associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, although findings from clinical interventions that can increase SCFAs are inconsistent. Objective: This systematic review and meta-Analysis aimed to assess the effect of SCFA interventions on fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Data Sources: Relevant articles published up to July 28, 2022, were extracted from PubMed and Embase using the MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms of the defined keywords [(short-chain fatty acids) AND (obesity OR diabetes OR insulin sensitivity)] and their synonyms. Data analyses were performed independently by two researchers who used the Cochrane meta-Analysis checklist and the PRISMA guidelines. Data Extraction: Clinical studies and trials that measured SCFAs and reported glucose homeostasis parameters were included in the analysis. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95%CIs were calculated using a random-effects model in the data extraction tool Review Manager version 5.4 (RevMan 5.4). The risk-of-bias assessment was performed following the Cochrane checklist for randomized and crossover studies. Data Analysis: In total, 6040 nonduplicate studies were identified, 23 of which met the defined criteria, reported fasting insulin, fasting glucose, or HOMA-IR values, and reported change in SCFA concentrations post intervention. Meta-Analyses of these studies indicated that fasting insulin concentrations were significantly reduced (overall effect: SMD =-0.15; 95%CI =-0.29 to-0.01, P = 0.04) in treatment groups, relative to placebo groups, at the end of the intervention. Studies with a confirmed increase in SCFAs at the end of intervention also had a significant effect on lowering fasting insulin (P = 0.008). Elevated levels of SCFAs, compared with baseline levels, were associated with beneficial effects on HOMA-IR (P < 0.00001). There was no significant change in fasting glucose concentrations. Conclusion: Increased postintervention levels of SCFAs are associated with lower fasting insulin concentrations, offering a beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO registration number CRD42021257248.