Butyrate as a differentiating agent: pharmacokinetics, analogues and current status

Abstract

The field of butyrate-induced differentiation of neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells is reviewed and possible clinical correlations considered with regard to butyrate, butyrate prodrugs and butyrate analogues. These topics are discussed from the point of view of the concentrations required in vitro for biologic effect, and likely pharmacokinetic behavior in vivo.