Tributyrin: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|A triglyceride used in scientific research}}
== Tributyrin ==
{{Chembox
| ImageFile = Tributyrin.png
| ImageSize = 250px
| ImageAlt =
| IUPACName = Propane-1,2,3-triyl tributanoate
| OtherNames = Glyceryl tributyrate
}}


'''Tributyrin''', also known as '''glyceryl tributyrate''', is a triglyceride that is composed of three [[butyric acid]] molecules esterified to a [[glycerol]] backbone. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature and is known for its distinctive buttery odor.
[[File:Tributyrin.png|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Tributyrin]]


==Chemical properties==
'''Tributyrin''' is a triglyceride that is composed of three molecules of [[butyric acid]] and one molecule of [[glycerol]]. It is a naturally occurring compound found in [[butter]] and is used in various industrial and medical applications due to its unique properties.
Tributyrin is a simple [[lipid]] that is used in various scientific studies due to its ability to release butyric acid upon hydrolysis. The chemical formula of tributyrin is C<sub>15</sub>H<sub>26</sub>O<sub>6</sub>, and it has a molar mass of 302.36 g/mol. It is soluble in organic solvents but has limited solubility in water.


==Uses==
== Chemical Properties ==
Tributyrin is primarily used in research settings. It serves as a model compound for studying the metabolism of triglycerides and the effects of butyric acid in biological systems. Butyric acid, released from tributyrin, is known to have various biological effects, including acting as a [[histone deacetylase inhibitor]] and influencing [[gene expression]].


In addition to its use in research, tributyrin is sometimes used in the food industry as a flavoring agent due to its buttery taste.
Tributyrin is a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature. It is soluble in organic solvents but has limited solubility in water. The chemical formula of tributyrin is C<sub>15</sub>H<sub>26</sub>O<sub>6</sub>, and it has a molecular weight of 302.36 g/mol.


==Biological significance==
== Biological Role ==
Butyric acid, the hydrolysis product of tributyrin, plays a significant role in [[gut health]]. It is a short-chain fatty acid that serves as an energy source for [[colonocytes]] and has anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that butyric acid can influence [[intestinal barrier function]] and modulate the [[immune response]].
 
In the human body, tributyrin is metabolized to release [[butyrate]], a short-chain fatty acid that plays a crucial role in [[gut health]]. Butyrate is known to be a primary energy source for [[colonocytes]] and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also involved in the regulation of [[gene expression]] and [[cell differentiation]].
 
== Industrial Applications ==
 
Tributyrin is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent due to its buttery taste. It is also used in the production of [[biodegradable plastics]] and as a solvent in the manufacture of [[pharmaceuticals]].
 
== Medical Applications ==
 
In medicine, tributyrin is studied for its potential therapeutic effects. It is being researched for its ability to deliver butyrate to the colon, which may help in the treatment of [[inflammatory bowel disease]] and other gastrointestinal disorders. Tributyrin is also being investigated for its potential role in cancer therapy, as butyrate has been shown to induce [[apoptosis]] in certain cancer cell lines.
 
== Related Pages ==


==Related pages==
* [[Butyric acid]]
* [[Butyric acid]]
* [[Triglyceride]]
* [[Triglyceride]]
* [[Glycerol]]
* [[Short-chain fatty acid]]
* [[Colonocyte]]


[[Category:Triglycerides]]
[[Category:Triglycerides]]
[[Category:Food additives]]
[[Category:Food additives]]
[[Category:Biochemistry]]
[[Category:Medical research]]

Latest revision as of 04:02, 13 February 2025

Tributyrin[edit]

Chemical structure of Tributyrin

Tributyrin is a triglyceride that is composed of three molecules of butyric acid and one molecule of glycerol. It is a naturally occurring compound found in butter and is used in various industrial and medical applications due to its unique properties.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Tributyrin is a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature. It is soluble in organic solvents but has limited solubility in water. The chemical formula of tributyrin is C15H26O6, and it has a molecular weight of 302.36 g/mol.

Biological Role[edit]

In the human body, tributyrin is metabolized to release butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that plays a crucial role in gut health. Butyrate is known to be a primary energy source for colonocytes and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also involved in the regulation of gene expression and cell differentiation.

Industrial Applications[edit]

Tributyrin is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent due to its buttery taste. It is also used in the production of biodegradable plastics and as a solvent in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.

Medical Applications[edit]

In medicine, tributyrin is studied for its potential therapeutic effects. It is being researched for its ability to deliver butyrate to the colon, which may help in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal disorders. Tributyrin is also being investigated for its potential role in cancer therapy, as butyrate has been shown to induce apoptosis in certain cancer cell lines.

Related Pages[edit]