3-Hydroxybutyric acid (CAS 300-85-6)

3-Hydroxybutyric acid, a four-carbon dicarboxylic acid, is an essential intermediate in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, contributing significantly to energy production in both animals and plants. It also serves as a metabolite of β-hydroxybutyrate, a ketone body found in the blood of individuals on low-carbohydrate diets or with type 2 diabetes. Moreover, 3-Hydroxybutyric acid has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic applications in obesity, diabetes, and cancer. In vitro studies conducted on various cell types, including human, mouse, and rat cell lines, have shed light on the beneficial effects of 3-Hydroxybutyric acid. While the precise mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed to act as an agonist of the PPARγ receptor, which has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties and improved insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, 3-Hydroxybutyric acid may act to activate AMPK, a key regulator of energy metabolism, while reducing the production of reactive oxygen species. Overall, these studies have showcased its ability to mitigate reactive oxygen species generation, alleviate inflammation, induce apoptosis in cancer cells, enhance glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation in muscle cells, and decrease fat accumulation in liver cells.