Kim Nayeon, Yang Changwon
Department of Science Education, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
Nutrients. 2024 Dec 4;16(23):4196. doi: 10.3390/nu16234196.
This review investigates the therapeutic potential of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced by gut microbiota, in the prevention and treatment of various gynecological diseases, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and gynecologic cancers like cervical and ovarian cancer. These conditions often pose treatment challenges, with conventional therapies offering limited and temporary relief, significant side effects, and a risk of recurrence. Emerging evidence highlights butyrate's unique biological activities, particularly its role as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, which allows it to modulate gene expression, immune responses, and inflammation. In PCOS, butyrate aids in restoring hormonal balance, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and reducing chronic inflammation. For endometriosis, butyrate appears to suppress immune dysregulation and minimize lesion proliferation. Additionally, in cervical and ovarian cancers, butyrate demonstrates anticancer effects through mechanisms such as cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, and suppression of tumor progression. Dietary interventions, particularly high-fiber and Mediterranean diets, that increase butyrate production are proposed as complementary approaches, supporting natural microbiota modulation to enhance therapeutic outcomes. However, butyrate's short half-life limits its clinical application, spurring interest in butyrate analogs and probiotics to maintain stable levels and extend its benefits. This review consolidates current findings on butyrate's multifaceted impact across gynecological health, highlighting the potential for microbiota-centered therapies in advancing treatment strategies and improving women's reproductive health.
本综述探讨了肠道微生物群产生的短链脂肪酸丁酸在预防和治疗各种妇科疾病中的治疗潜力,这些疾病包括多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)、子宫内膜异位症以及宫颈癌和卵巢癌等妇科癌症。这些病症常常带来治疗挑战,传统疗法提供的缓解有限且短暂,副作用大,还有复发风险。新出现的证据突出了丁酸独特的生物学活性,尤其是其作为组蛋白脱乙酰酶(HDAC)抑制剂的作用,这使其能够调节基因表达、免疫反应和炎症。在PCOS中,丁酸有助于恢复激素平衡、增强胰岛素敏感性并减轻慢性炎症。对于子宫内膜异位症,丁酸似乎能抑制免疫失调并减少病灶增殖。此外,在宫颈癌和卵巢癌中,丁酸通过细胞周期阻滞、诱导凋亡和抑制肿瘤进展等机制发挥抗癌作用。建议采用饮食干预措施,特别是高纤维饮食和地中海饮食,以增加丁酸的产生,作为辅助方法,支持自然调节微生物群以提高治疗效果。然而,丁酸的半衰期短限制了其临床应用,这激发了人们对丁酸类似物和益生菌的兴趣,以维持稳定水平并扩大其益处。本综述整合了目前关于丁酸对妇科健康多方面影响的研究结果,突出了以微生物群为中心的疗法在推进治疗策略和改善女性生殖健康方面的潜力。