2-Hydroxybutyrate

**Semantic type:** Organic Chemical

**Definition:** A hydroxy fatty acid anion and conjugate base of 2-hydroxybutyric acid. 2-Hydroxybutyrate is a metabolite produced by the conversion of cystathionine to cysteine in the glutathione biosynthesis pathway. The amount of 2-hydroxybutyrate secreted in the urine can reflect changes in the rate of glutathione synthesis, which is altered by oxidative stress or toxin exposure.

**Synonyms:** - 2-Hydroxybutanoate - 2-OH Butyrate - 2-OH-Butyrate - Alpha-Hydroxybutanoate - Alpha-Hydroxybutyrate - a-HB