Anticarcinogenic Actions of Tributyrin, A Butyric Acid Prodrug

Abstract

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 anticancer 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.

Induction of Porcine Host Defense Peptide Gene Expression by Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Their Analogs

“…Glyceryl tributyrate (also known as tributyrin) is another odorless butyrate prodrug with more favorable pharmacokinetic properties than butyrate [49]. On the other hand, benzyl butyrate is a commonly used ingredient in fragrances with a pleasant plum smell and extensive animal toxicity data [50].…”

Tributyrin‐supplemented high‐soya bean meal diets of juvenile black sea bream, Acanthopagrus schlegelii : Study on growth performance and intestinal morphology and structure

“…Among butyrate derivates, tributyrin (TB) is a triglyceride and analogue of butyrate, formed by the esterification of glycerol with three butyric acid molecules (Clarke, Feinman, & Harrison, ; Heidor et al, ). Tributyrin is a non‐volatile naturally stable molecule, which does not require a coating protection (Lum, Sygall, & Ros Felip, ); thus, it can be incorporated into different kinds of feed for either monogastric or polygastric animals.…”

Caracterização do efeito anti-neoplásico do butirato em duas linhagens celulares de rato derivadas de tumores hepáticos com diferente ní­vel de diferenciação

“…A resistência aos quimioterápicos e a alta taxa de reincidência tornam necessária a busca de novas estratégias terapêuticas. Neste sentido, o butirato representa um alvo importante de estudo devido aos efeitos pleiotrópicos que tem apresentado em células de diversos tipos de câncer, incluindo próstata, mama, estômago e fígado (HEIDOR et al, 2012(HEIDOR et al, , 2017 (COOK et al, 1985;LORENZ et al, 2011;WANG et al, 2013;WILLIAMS;COXHEAD;MATHERS, 2003).…”