Intestinal Lining

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The mucus layer in the colon acts as a protective shield that separates gut microbes from the intestinal lining, reducing the risk of tissue damage and inflammation. It also serves as a lubricant, helping stool pass smoothly through the colon. Beyond this, mucus plays an important role in immune defense by carrying antimicrobial molecules and antibodies that neutralize harmful pathogens. At the same time, it supports a healthy microbiome by providing nutrients to beneficial bacteria. Altogether, this barrier is essential for maintaining gut integrity, preventing infection, and ensuring a balanced relationship between the host and its microbes. Unfortunately, mucul layer decreases with age [1]. Butyrate increases mucus secretion from goblet cells, thickening the mucosal layer that acts as another defense line against bacterial intrusion [2]. Butyrate is a primary energy source for colonocytes (cells lining the colon), supporting their health and function. Healthy colonocytes are essential for a robust intestinal barrier.

Recent studies show that sodium butyrate can enhance mucin production and support the integrity of the gut barrier. Such function is extremely important as leaky gut leads to numerous inflammatory diseases that ultimately affect the whole body. Sodium butyrate supports gut barrier integrity by promoting the expression of genes related to tight junction proteins and mucins. Animal studies and cell-based experiments show that supplementation with sodium butyrate improves the intestinal barrier, reduces permeability, and thus decreases symptoms associated with leaky gut [3].

As mentioned earlier, specialized colon cells, called goblet cells, are responsible for mucin production. In older humans, there is a measurable decrease in goblet cell numbers and the amount of mucin content per unit area in the colon. Additionally, degenerative changes are observed in mucin production, leading to a compromised mucus barrier in the elderly colon [4]. 

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References:

1. Sovran, Bruno et al. “Age-associated Impairment of the Mucus Barrier Function is Associated with Profound Changes in Microbiota and Immunity.” Scientific reports vol. 9,1 1437. 5 Feb. 2019, doi:10.1038/s41598-018-35228-3

2. Singh, Vineet et al. “Butyrate producers, "The Sentinel of Gut": Their intestinal significance with and beyond butyrate, and prospective use as microbial therapeutics.” Frontiers in microbiology vol. 13 1103836. 12 Jan. 2023, doi:10.3389/fmicb.2022.1103836

3. He, Hanchang et al. “Sodium Butyrate Ameliorates Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Lupus-Like Mice.” Frontiers in nutrition vol. 7 604283. 11 Nov. 2020, doi:10.3389/fnut.2020.604283

4. Baidoo, Nicholas, and Gareth J Sanger. “Age-related decline in goblet cell numbers and mucin content of the human colon: Implications for lower bowel functions in the elderly.” Experimental and molecular pathology vol. 139 (2024): 104923. doi:10.1016/j.yexmp.2024.104923