Supplementation with Sodium Butyrate Modulates the Composition of the Gut Microbiota and Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have been reported to ameliorate obesity. However, the underlying mechanisms require further investigation. The aim of this study was to determine the role of butyrate, an SCFA, in the regulation of obesity, low-grade chronic inflammation, and alterations of microbiota composition in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice, 4–5 wk of age, were divided into 3 groups (n = 8 mice/group): low-fat diet (LFD; 10% energy from fat), high-fat diet (HFD; 45% energy from fat), or high-fat diet plus sodium butyrate (HSB). HSB mice received sodium butyrate at a concentration of 0.1 M in drinking water for 12 wk. Measures of inflammation, obesity, and intestinal integrity were assessed. Serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations were measured in the 3 groups. Fecal samples were collected for gut microbiota analysis. In HFD mice, body weight gain and hepatic triglyceride (TG), serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels were 1–4 times higher than those in LFD mice (P