Microbiota-Derived Metabolites Regulate Bacterial Virulence and Tissue Repair Pathways in a Non-Invasive Surgical Model

Background: Microbiota-derived metabolites play an important role in regulating bacterial behavior and host tissue repair. Understanding their interaction may provide new approaches to improve healing in veterinary surgery. Aim: This study evaluated the relationship between short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bacterial biofilm gene expression, and host collagen synthesis using a controlled experimental model. Methods: Fifteen mice were randomly divided into three groups (n = 5 per group): control, SCFA-rich diet, and dysbiosis. Skin response was evaluated using a non-invasive model. The bacterial gene icaA and host gene COL1A1 were analyzed using RT-qPCR. SCFAs levels were measured using standard biochemical assays. Data were expressed as mean ± SE and analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: The SCFA-rich group showed a significant reduction in icaA expression (0.42 ± 0.03) compared with control (1.00 ± 0.05) and dysbiosis (1.68 ± 0.07) groups (p < 0.05; p < 0.001). In contrast, COL1A1 expression was significantly increased in the SCFA-rich group (2.35 ± 0.10) compared with control (1.00 ± 0.06) and dysbiosis (0.62 ± 0.04) groups (p < 0.05; p < 0.001). SCFAs levels were higher in the SCFA-rich group (82 ± 3) and lower in the dysbiosis group (28 ± 2) compared with control (45 ± 2) (p < 0.05; p < 0.001). Conclusion: SCFAs were associated with reduced bacterial biofilm gene expression and enhanced collagen synthesis, suggesting a key role in improving tissue repair. These findings support the potential use of microbiota-derived metabolites as a non-invasive strategy to enhance healing outcomes in veterinary surgery.