Tributyrin plus all-trans-retinoic acid efficiently induces fetal hemoglobin expression in human erythroleukemia cells

Fourteen butyrate derivatives and retinoic acid were tested with respect to the hemoglobin F-inducing activity using the K562 erythroleukemia cell lin e as a model system. Four novel butyrate derivatives with hemoglobin F-indu cing activity have been identified. Combined treatment with the butyrate de rivative tributyrin and retinoic acid in vitro led to a 7-fold increase of hemoglobin synthesis. Tributyrin and retinoic acid might be promising drugs for clinical trials to treat patients with beta-hemoglobinopathies. Am. J, Hematol, 64:319-321, 2000, (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.