Butyrate, a chemical made by gut bacteria, can help white blood cells called macrophages fight bacteria better by changing how their genes are expressed.
Scientific Claim
Butyrate (C4) may enhance macrophage antibacterial activity by inhibiting HDAC3 and increasing expression of S100A8 and S100A9 genes.
Source Excerpt
“Further analysis by single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that the C4-induced antibacterial signature is characterized by increased expression of the S100A8 and S100A9 genes, which encode calprotectin, a protein with antibacterial properties. Therefore, C4 helps increase the antibacterial activity of macrophages by inhibiting mTOR. In addition, in the presence of C4 and pertussis toxin (GPCR inhibitors), macrophages exhibit enhanced antibacterial activity, indicating that C4 enhances the antibacterial activity of macrophages without the involvement of GPCR. Further studies have shown that butyrate increases the expression of the S100A8 mRNA gene through its inhibition of HDAC3.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting Studies
Regulation of short-chain fatty acids in the immune system
The study describes how butyrate may enhance macrophage antibacterial activity through HDAC3 inhibition and increased expression of specific genes. This is a descriptive claim about observed mechanisms in the literature.
⚠️ Overstated
The study uses definitive language ('enhances', 'increases', 'helps increase') but is a review summarizing existing research. It cannot establish definitive causal relationships between butyrate and macrophage antibacterial activity.
More accurate phrasing:
“Butyrate (C4) may be associated with enhanced macrophage antibacterial activity through inhibition of HDAC3 and increased expression of S100A8 and S100A9 genes.”