Short-chain fatty acids regulate macrophage-mediated immune responses in intestinal inflammation: Implications for pigs

Intestinal inflammation poses a significant challenge to pig production, as it impairs gut health, compromises growth performance, and results in substantial economic losses. Therefore, preventing and controlling intestinal inflammation in pigs is essential for maintaining intestinal health and production efficiency. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are gut microbiota metabolites that play an important role in alleviating intestinal inflammation by regulating macrophage function. Mechanistic insights largely derived from murine and in vitro studies have revealed that SCFAs regulate macrophage mediated inflammation through mechanisms involving histone deacetylases (HDACs), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and other pathways. Moreover, nutritional strategies such as dietary fiber, prebiotics, and fermented feed for alleviating intestinal inflammation in pigs are discussed. This review aims to provide a theoretical foundation for developing SCFA-based nutritional interventions to improve gut health, immune regulation, and production performance in pigs.