The Correlation of Short-Chain Fatty Acids with Peripheral Arterial Disease in Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD affects 20% of DM patients over 40 and has increased by 29% in the last 50 years. The gut microbiota produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that affect atherosclerosis. SCFA inhibits inflammation, which contributes to atherosclerosis. This study tried to link feces SCFA levels to atherosclerosis in people with diabetes with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The study included 53 people with diabetes and PAD: gas chromatography-mass spectrometry measured acetate, butyrate, and propionate levels in feces samples (GC-MS). There was a positive correlation between random blood glucose (RBG) levels, peak systolic velocity (PSV), volume flow (VF), plaque, relative and absolute acetate, relative valerate, butyrate, and propionate. This supports the idea that elevated SCFA levels in type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients reduce adipose tissue inflammation and cholesterol metabolism, contributing to atherosclerosis pathogenesis. We conclude that increased fecal SCFA excretion is linked to cardiovascular disease. To determine the causal effect correlation of the SCFA with clinical and laboratory parameters for PAD in DM patients, compare the SCFA in plasma and feces, and account for confounding variables, a specific method with larger sample sizes and more extended follow-up periods is required.