SCFA Deficiency Disrupts Microglial Homeostasis and Promotes Neurodegeneration

h-d5dc9661b1

Reduced SCFA-producing bacteria (Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Faecalibacterium) in PD leads to microglial dysfunction, impaired α-synuclein clearance, and increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Butyrate deficiency reduces tight junction expression. Critical translational barriers: butyrate has poor CNS bioavailability (~5% crosses BBB), fecal SCFA is heavily confounded by diet, and S