Efficacy of butyrate in the treatment of mild to moderate Crohn's disease

Background

Butyrate exerts anti-inflammatory effects in experimental colitis and in lamina propria mononuclear cells of patients with Crohn's disease.

Aims

To assess the safety and efficacy of butyrate in Crohn's disease.

Patients

Thirteen patients with mild to moderate Crohn's disease were treated with enteric-release sodium butyrate tablets at a dosage of 4 g/day for eight weeks.

Methods

Before and after treatment, patients underwent coloscopy with evaluation of the clinical activity of their disease, systemic inflammation index and mucosal expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-12, interferon (IFN)-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and nuclear factor (NF)-κB.

Results

Of the nine patients (69%) responding to treatment, 7 (53%) exhibited complete response and 2 exhibited partial response. Endoscopic and histological evaluation scores were significantly improved (p < 0.05) and significant reductions were seen after treatment in white cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), mucosal concentrations of NF-κB and IL-1β (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Oral administration of butyrate may be effective in inducing clinical improvement or remission in patients with Crohn's disease.