Define physiological effects of SCFA?

The physiological effects of SCFA's can be summarized as follows. They:

• Lower the ph in the gastrointestinal tract, which in turn reduces the colonization of pathogenic bacteria (acid-sensitive). Lowering of ph also increases ionization of toxic compound, thereby reducing their absorption,
• Stimulate colonic blood flow and motor activity,
• Enhance water and electrolyte absorption,
• Stimulate colonocyte proliferation,
• Butyrate is a preferred substrate for colonocyte and contributes to energy needs of the colonic epithelial cell. Acetate and to a lesser extent propionate are absorbed into the system and contribute to energy needs of the host.
• Butyrate enhances DNA stabilization and repair, induces apoptosis in potential cancer cells and thus promote a normal cell phenotype.