Biological effects / Functions & Propanoate Metabolism / Propionate / Propionic acid

GPR41 is expressed in intestinal Enteroendocrine Cells (EEC), stimulating the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY). PYY can regulate intestinal movement, affecting the absorption of nutrients in the intestine, and GLP-1 can regulate satiety.
Li et al. 2020s

Propionate has been shown to induce satiety through induction of anorectic hormones (e.g., adipokine leptin) and intestinal gluconeogenesis (IGN), which also influences glucose metabolism
Venter et al. 1990 American Journal of Gastroenterology 85: 549-553
De Vadder et al. 2014 Cell 156(1–2): 84-96
Chambers et al. 2015 Gut 64: 1744–1754
Chambers et al. 2019 Gut 68: 1430-1438
Nobili et al. 2019 Adv Exp Med Biol 1125: 85-100
Psichas et al. 2015 Int. J. Obes. 39: 424-429

With respect to their use as an Energy source, propionate is primarily used by hepatocytes
Tan et al. 2014 Adv Immunol. 121: 91

Propionate alone inhibits resistin expression in the adipose tissue , and it is responsible for the blockage of Acetyl-CoA synthetase and therefore gluconeogenesis at the expense of cholesterol synthesis
Nobili et al. 2019 Adv Exp Med Biol 1125: 85-100

Propionate has immunomodulatory capability
Biagi et al. 2015

Propionate and butyrate also block the differentiation of bone marrow stem cells into dendritic cells (DCs ) via HDAC inhibition, thereby reducing undue inflammatory responses
Singh et al. 2010 Journal of Biological Chemistry. 285:27601-27608

Propionate blocks dendritic cell generation. They don't affect granulocytes. This depends on the transporter Sodium-Coupled Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 (SMCT1). It moves Propionate into cells. These metabolites inhibit histone deacetylases
Singh et al. 2010 Journal of Biological Chemistry. 285:27601-27608

Propionate might also have a role as modulators of glucose metabolism: absorption of propionate would result in lower glycaemic responses to oral glucose or standard meal - a response consistent with an ameliorated sensitivity to insulin
Venter et al. 1990 American Journal of Gastroenterology 85: 549-553
Brighenti et al. 1995 European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 49(4): 242-247

see also:
Biological effects / Functions & Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)
Dendritic Cells (DCs) & Propanoate Metabolism / Propionate / Propionic acid
Glucagon Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) & Propanoate Metabolism / Propionate / Propionic acid
Gluconeogenesis & Propanoate Metabolism / Propionate / Propionic acid
Glucose Uptake & Propanoate Metabolism / Propionate / Propionic acid
Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Inhibition & Propanoate Metabolism / Propionate / Propionic acid
Propionate-producing bacteria