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

BackgroundButyrate exerts anti-inflammatory effects in experimental colitis and in lamina propria mononuclear cells of patients with Crohn's disease.AimsTo assess the safety and efficacy of butyrate in Crohn's disease.PatientsThirteen 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.MethodsBefore 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.ResultsOf 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).ConclusionsOral administration of butyrate may be effective in inducing clinical improvement or remission in patients with Crohn's disease.