Comparative Study on the Detection of Short Chain Fatty Acids in Fecal Samples from Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Insight into Diabetic Kidney Disease Compared with Normal Kidney Function

Abstract

Background: The role of the gut microbiota in metabolic health was increasingly recognized. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) – including propionic acid, acetic acid and butyric acid – are vital metabolites produced by gut microbiota. These SCFAs play a pivotal role in energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and systemic inflammation. The link between gut microbiota and human health, especially in the context of metabolic disorders like Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), has garnered significant attention in recent years. Objective: This study aimed to compare the levels of SCFAs in fecal samples from three distinct patient groups: 1) Type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic kidney disease, 2) Type 2 diabetic patients with normal kidney function, and 3) Hypertensive patients without diabetes with normal kidney function. Materials and Method: A total of thirty-nine participants were involved in this research, categorized into three distinct groups. Fecal samples were collected, immediately frozen, and processed for the extraction of SCFAs. The concentrations of SCFAs were determined using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) system. Results: The study evaluated the concentrations of three pivotal SCFAs in stool samples across the three patient groups. While there were nuanced variations in the concentrations of acetic, butyric and propionic acids among the groups, an ANOVA test revealed no statistically significant differences in SCFA concentrations among them. Conclusion: While this study provides foundational insights into the SCFA landscape across specific health conditions, the absence of significant disparities prompts contemplation. The multifactorial nature of SCFA production, influenced by disease states, diet, genetics and other environmental factors, underscores the need for further investigative depth. Future research might delve deeper into the potential therapeutic implications of modulating gut microbiota and SCFA profiles in managing metabolic disorders.