From:  Immunomodulatory roles of gut-derived short-chain fatty acids in periodontal inflammation and homeostasis

 Recent preclinical and clinical evidence linking short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) to periodontal outcomes.

Model/populationSCFA-related interventionPeriodontal-associated outcomesEvidence levelReference
Mouse FMT studyFeces from high-fat diet/obese donor mice transferred to recipientsRecipients developed elevated serum uric acid, systemic inflammation, and increased alveolar bone loss in ligature-induced periodontitis compared with controlsPreclinical (causal)[36]
Mouse periodontitis modelClostridium butyricum administrationReduced alveolar bone loss and inflammatory markers in diabetes mellitus-associated periodontitis.Preclinical (interventional)[37]
Mouse ligature-induced periodontitis modelDietary fiber-induced SCFA elevationAttenuation of periodontal inflammation and modulation of systemic inflammatory and metabolic markers associated with altered gut microbiota.Preclinical (dietary intervention)[39]
Human periodontitis patients vs. healthy controlsQuantification of GCF SCFAs (propionic acid and butyric acid)Elevated butyrate/propionate correlated with disease severityHuman (observational)[35]
Human gingival epithelial cells (Ca9-22) in vitroHigh local butyrate/propionate exposure as periodontopathic bacterial metabolitesButyrate/propionate induced epithelial cell death via HDAC inhibition, associated with enhanced autophagy and reactive oxygen species, leading to barrier disruption and cytotoxicityIn vitro (pathological)[40]

Summary of recent preclinical and clinical evidence on SCFAs in periodontal disease. The table outlines experimental models, SCFA-related interventions or measurements, key periodontal outcomes, and levels of evidence. SCFA effects reflect either beneficial systemic immunomodulation or pathological local effects at elevated periodontal concentrations. FMT: fecal microbiota transplantation; GCF: gingival crevicular fluid; HDAC: histone deacetylase.