Application of butyric acid preparations in clinical practice

Butyric acid is a natural substance, one of the three short-fatty acids (SCFA), physiologically produced by the colonic microbial fermentation of digestible carbohydrates. Butyric acid is a basic source of energy for intestinal epithelial cells and an important factor stimulating their growth and differentiation. The role of butyrate as a trophic agent, its effect on the proliferation and apoptosis, and its cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties are widely recognised. Butyric acid directly inhibits the enzymatic activity of histone deacetylase (HDAC), suppresses cell-cycle, stimulates cell differentiation, exerts immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, regulates intestinal barrier, reduces oxidative stress, and modulates visceral sensitivity and motility. Beneficial effects of butyric acid were observed in inflammatory bowel diseases, radiation and post-chemotherapy colitis, pouchitis, diverticular disease, infectious diarrhoea, and functional intestinal diseases. The innovative technology of preparing microparticles in a lipid matrix has enabled efficacious administration of this natural and safe substance.