Butyrate, a four-carbon short-chain fatty acid, is produced through microbial fermentation of
dietary fibers in the lower intestinal tract. Endogenous butyrate production, delivery, and
absorption by colonocytes have been well documented. Butyrate exerts its functions by
acting as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor or signaling through several G protein–
coupled receptors (GPCRs). Recently, butyrate has received particular attention for its
beneficial effects on intestinal homeostasis and energy metabolism. With anti-inflammatory …