Definition

A compound composed of the short chain fatty acid (SCFA) butyrate combined with the amino acid arginine, with potential Epstein-Barr virus thymidine kinase gene (EBV-TK)-inducing activity. Upon administration, arginine butyrate induces the expression of thymidine kinase (TK). This activates a co-administered antiviral, such as ganciclovir, and results in the destruction of EBV-infected cancer cells. In addition, butyrate inhibits histone deacetylase (HDAC), which results in hyperacetylation of histones H3 and H4. Acetylated histones have a reduced affinity for chromatin; this reduced histone-chromatin affinity may allow chromosomal unfolding, potentially enhancing the expression of genes related to tumor cell growth arrest and apoptosis.