3-Hydroxy Valproic Acid

3-Hydroxy Valproic Acid is a metabolite of Valproic Acid. The metabolism of Valproic Acid to 3-Hydroxy Valproic Acid has been observed to occur after incubation of Valproic Acid with rat liver microsomes. This conversion is thought to occur in vivo as a product of fatty acid hydroxylation. The parent compound, Valproic Acid, is a branched chain, fatty acid which is reported to potentially enhance central GABAergic neurotransmission and inhibit Na⁺ channels. Currently, the various molecular mechanisms of action of Valproic Acid have not been completely elucidated. Valproic Acid has been reported to be a potent inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in vitro. Valproic Acid is also noted to relieve HDAC-dependent transcriptional repression and causes the hyperacetylation of histones in cultured cells. In animal studies, Valproic Acid has been observed to reduce tumor growth and metastasis formation. Additionally, Valproic Acid is reported to activate Wnt-dependent gene expression and to mimic trichostatin A in the inhibition of histone deacetylase.