Butyrate prevents visceral adipose tissue inflammation and metabolic alterations in a Friedreich's ataxia mouse model

FA patients exhibit increased visceral adiposity, inflammation, and heightened diabetes risk, negatively affecting prognosis. The authors investigated visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT) in a murine model (KIKO) to understand its role in FA-related metabolic complications. RNA-seq analysis revealed altered expression of inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis genes. Diabetes-like traits, including larger adipocytes, immune cell infiltration, and increased lactate production, were observed in vWAT. FXN downregulation in cultured adipocytes mirrored vWAT diabetes-like features, showing metabolic shifts toward glycolysis and lactate production. Metagenomic analysis indicated a reduction in fecal butyrate-producing bacteria, known to exert antidiabetic effects. A butyrate-enriched diet restrained vWAT abnormalities and mitigated diabetes features in KIKO mice. This work emphasizes the role of vWAT in FA-related metabolic issues and suggests butyrate as a safe and promising adjunct for FA management.

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