German-JB (1999) Butyric acid: a role in cancer prevention. BNF-Nutrition-Bulletin; 24 (89) 203-209

Evidence for the of butyric acid for a role in cancer prevention is presented. The paper discusses

• sources and metabolism of butyric acid (release and absorption of dietary VFA in the small intestine
• production of VFA in the colon by fermentation of dietary fiber);
• mechanisms of action (stark hindrance and promotion of enzymatic modification of histone deacetylases
• induction of apoptosis

Parodi-PW (1999) Conjugated linoleic acid and other anticarcinogenic agents of bovine milk fat  Journal-of-Dairy-Science; 82 (6) 1339-1349

The paper reviews that possible role of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), sphingomyelin, butyric acid, ether lipids and vitamin D. in respect to their anticarcinogenic activity . Particular attention is given to anticarcinogenic properties of CLA related to the prevention of breast cancer; morphology and pathogenesis; milk fat CLA; and modifying CLA concern. in human tissue.

Salimath-BP; Arshiya-Tabassum; Anupama-EG; Bindumalini; Preeti-GB; Salimath-PV 1999 Molecular mechanism of action of butyric acid in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. Nutrition-Research; 19 (4) 589-600

Butyric acid derived from colonic fermentation of dietary fiber may play a role in the beneficial physiological effects of fiber, such as its protective role against colon cancer.

Smith-JG; Yokoyama-WH; German-JB 1998 Butyric acid from the diet: actions at the level of gene expression. Critical-Reviews-in-Food-Science-and-Nutrition; 38 (4) 259-297

This review summarizes information on the molecular basis for the actions of butyric acid on nuclear DNA and considers how dietary fiber and other food sources deliver butyric acid to target tissues; effects of butyric acid on cell culture (modulation of chromatin structure, induction of apoptosis, and diverse activities of butyric acid. It may play a role in several aspects of health, including cancer.

Parodi-PW 1997 Butyric acid from the diet: actions at the level of gene expression.   Journal-of-Nutrition; 127 (6) 1055-1060

Evidence to suggest that milk fat contains a number of components with anticarcinogenic properties is reviewed including butyric acid. Butyric acid may play a role in the inhibition of mammary tumorigenesis.

Parodi-PW 1996 Milk fat components: possible chemopreventive agents for cancer and other diseases.  Australian-Journal-of-Dairy-Technology; 51 (1) 24-32. 

See Parodi 1997.

Smith-JG; German-JB 1995 Milk fat components: possible chemopreventive agents for cancer and other diseases. Food-Technology; 49 (11) 87-90,

The role of butyric acid (BuA) in prevention of mammary carcinogenesis is discussed. Aspects considered include: dietary sources and digestion of BuA; effects in culture (affects regulation of gene expression and cell growth and causes reversible inhibition of diacetylase enzymes); physiological effects (impaired BuA absorption associated with bowel disease, BuA salts used as treatment for cancer, novel gene therapies); implications for disease prevention and treatment (protective effect towards human cancers of digestive tract and mammary tissue, therapeutic in treating sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia).