Fecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Colorectal Cancer Patients Versus Healthy Controls: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Background: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the main microbial fermentation products in the colon, have immunometabolic and anti-neoplastic properties. Alterations in fecal SCFA profiles have been proposed as potential non-invasive biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC), but previous findings remain inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether fecal acetate, propionate, and butyrate concentrations differ between patients with CRC and healthy individuals. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library was conducted on 18 September 2025. Eligible studies were observational, included adults with histologically confirmed CRC and healthy controls, and reported fecal concentrations of at least one SCFA quantified

SUBMITTER: Sylwestrzak T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12734298 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature