Short-chain fatty acids regulate systemic bone mass and protect from pathological bone loss

Microbial metabolites are known to modulate immune responses of the host. The main metabolites derived from microbial fermentation of dietary fibers in the intestine, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), affect local and systemic immune functions. Here we show that SCFA are regulators of osteoclast metabolism and bone mass in vivo. Treatment of mice with SCFA as well as feeding with a high-fiber diet significantly increases bone mass and prevents postmenopausal and inflammation-induced bone loss. The protective effects of SCFA on bone mass are associated with inhibition of osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption in vitro and in vivo, while bone formation is not affected. Mechanistically, propionate (C3) and…

• JU
  Johannes und Frieda Marohn-Stiftung
• DF
  Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

  Awards: CRC1181, SPP1468, GK1660, SPP1937
• EK
  Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung
• NP
  Novartis Pharma