Anticarcinogenic Actions of Tributyrin, a Butyric Acid
Prodrug
Curr Drug Targets, 2012 Nov 6
Bioactive food compounds (BFCs) exhibit potential
anticarcinogenic effects that deserve to be explored. Butyric acid (BA) is
considered a promising BFC and has been used in clinical trials; however, its
short half-life considerably restricts its therapeutic application.
Tributyrin (TB), a BA prodrug present in milk fat and honey,
has more favorable pharmacokinetic properties than BA, and its oral
administration is also better tolerated. In vitro and in vivo studies have
shown that TB acts on multiple eanti-cancer cellular and molecular targets without
affecting non-cancerous cells. Among the TB mechanisms of action, the induction
of apoptosis and cell differentiation and the modulation of epigenetic
mechanisms are notable.
Due to its anticarcinogenic potential, strategies as lipid
emulsions, nanoparticles, or structured lipids containing TB are currently
being developed to improve its organoleptic characteristics and
bioavailability. In addition, TB has minimal toxicity, making it an excellent
candidate for combination therapy with other agents for the control of cancer.
Despite the lack of data available in the literature, TB is a promising
molecule for anticancer strategies. Therefore, additional preclinical and
clinical studies should be performed using TB to elucidate its molecular
targets and anticarcinogenic potential.
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