3,5-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid

3,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5-DHBA) is an organic acid that belongs to the hydroxybenzoic acid family, characterized by a benzene ring with carboxyl and hydroxyl groups.  This compound is primarily produced in the gastrointestinal tract through the microbial breakdown of specific foods.

3,5-DHBA is strongly associated with the consumption of whole-grain foods, particularly whole-grain bread and breakfast cereals.  It serves as a primary metabolite of alkylresorcinols, phenolic lipids found in high concentrations in the outer layers and bran of cereal grains like wheat and rye. 

Due to its presence in various foods including beer, grape wine, nuts, peanuts, berries, and coffee, 3,5-DHBA is considered a potential dietary biomarker and is used in some laboratory settings to indicate microbiome status.  

Elevated levels of 3,5-DHBA may suggest dysbiosis, and research highlights its role in metabolic regulation, particularly in reducing lipolysis through HCA1 receptor activation, pointing to its potential therapeutic applications in treating dyslipidemia.

What is 3,5-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid?  [4., 9.] 

3,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5-DHBA), also known as alpha-resorcylic acid, is an organic acid belonging to the hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives.  These compounds consist of a benzene ring with carboxyl and hydroxyl groups. 

It is produced in the GI tract by microbial breakdown of particular foods.  

3,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid is strongly associated with the consumption of whole-grain bread and breakfast cereals. It is a primary metabolite of alkylresorcinols, which serve as biomarkers for whole-grain intake. 

Alkylresorcinols are a naturally occurring type of phenolic lipid found in high concentrations in the outer layer and bran of cereal grains, particularly wheat and rye.

As well as cereal grains, 3,5-DHBA is notably present in high concentrations in beer and is also found in various foods such as grape wine, nuts, peanuts, berries, and coffee, making it a potential dietary biomarker.  [4., 8.] 

Because it can be produced in the GI tract by microbial breakdown, it is used in some laboratory settings as an indicator of microbiome status, and elevated levels may indicate dysbiosis.  [12.] 

Research has shown its involvement in reducing lipolysis through HCA1 receptor activation, highlighting its significance in metabolic regulation and potential therapeutic applications.  [8.] 

3,5-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid Associations with Health and Disease

Antimicrobial Capacity of 3,5-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid  [6.] 

Laboratory assessment of the effects of 3,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid demonstrated its antimicrobial effects.  

3,5-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid in Dyslipidemia  [5., 8.] 

3,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5-DHBA) is identified as a specific agonist for the hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1 (HCA1), predominantly expressed in adipocytes.  

Activation of HCA1 by 3,5-DHBA inhibits lipolysis, making it a potential therapeutic agent for treating dyslipidemia. 

This compound is effective at an EC50 of approximately 150 μM and inhibits lipolysis in wild-type mouse adipocytes but not in HCA1-deficient adipocytes, highlighting its specificity for HCA1. 

Due to its presence in natural products like fruits, berries, and coffee, 3,5-DHBA is a promising candidate for studying HCA1 function in vivo and for designing new HCA1 agonists.  This underscores its potential role in regulating glucose metabolism and improving blood lipid profiles.

What Are Organic Acids?  [2., 3.]

Organic acids are organic compounds with acidic properties.  They include a variety of functional groups like carboxyl, phenol, enol, and thiol, with carboxylic acids having the strongest acidity.

Organic acids are considered weak acids, with those containing phenol, enol, alcohol, or thiol groups being even weaker.  

Their structures vary in terms of carbon chain types—aromatic, aliphatic, alicyclic, heterocyclic—saturation, substitutions, and the number of functional groups. 

These acids play critical roles in metabolic and catabolic pathways, notably in the tricarboxylic acid cycle inside mitochondria, which is central to energy production in eukaryotes.  They are also pivotal in determining the sensory properties of fruits and vegetables.

Some organic acids are produced as byproducts of toxin metabolism, and their presence indicates the degree of exposure to parent toxins.  

Organic Acid Disorders  [1., 11.]

Organic acid disorders are inherited metabolic conditions that affect the enzymes or transport proteins essential for the breakdown of amino acids, lipids, or carbohydrates. They are marked by the excessive excretion of non-amino organic acids in urine, primarily due to defects in specific enzymes involved in amino acid breakdown that cause buildup of organic acids in tissues.

Conditions can manifest as inborn metabolic disorders of organic acids and amino acids, urea cycle anomalies, and mitochondrial respiratory chain deficiencies.

These disorders are typically passed down through autosomal recessive inheritance.  They often present in newborns with symptoms like vomiting and lethargy, progressing to more severe neurological symptoms. 

Early diagnosis and intervention are critical and can improve outcomes. Diagnostic methods include urine organic acid analysis via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). 

Current treatments focus on managing symptoms and preventing complications, although definitive therapies are still under research.  Treatment focuses may include dietary management, detoxifying harmful metabolites, and in severe cases, organ transplantation. 

Continuous monitoring and management are essential for managing symptoms and preventing complications.

Organic Acids and the Microbiome  [7.]

Increasingly, research highlights new relationships between the microbiome and human health.  Many organisms that comprise the microbiome produce organic acids that can then be tested for additional diagnostic capability.  

Certain organic acids in urine like hippuric acid, benzoic acid, and indoleacetic acid are metabolites produced by gut bacteria from the breakdown of amino acids, dietary polyphenols, and other substances. 

These acids provide insights into gut health and metabolic functions.  For example, elevated levels of certain acids may indicate gut dysbiosis or specific metabolic imbalances, such as phenylketonuria. 

Organic Acid Testing in Functional Medicine

Organic Acid Testing in Functional Medicine

In functional medicine, organic acid testing is utilized to evaluate a patient's metabolic function through a simple urine test. This testing can identify metabolic imbalances that may affect a patient’s mood, energy, and overall health. 

Testing provides insights into nutrient deficiencies, dietary habits, toxic exposures, and gut microbiome activity. 

The results assist practitioners in customizing treatment plans to address specific metabolic dysfunctions and improve health outcomes. 

Additionally, it helps in assessing the impact of microbial metabolism and the efficiency of the Krebs Cycle, aiding in personalized healthcare.

Laboratory Testing for 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5-DHBA)

Test Information, Sampling Methods and Preparation

Laboratory testing for organic acids including 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5-DHBA) is typically done in urine, although it can also be tested in blood.  Testing may be ordered to diagnose an inborn metabolic disorder, or to assess metabolic function and gastrointestinal health in a functional medicine setting.  

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Urine samples may be collected in a clinical setting; they can also be collected at home.  Some labs recommend or require a first morning void sample, to provide a concentrated sample.  

Interpreting 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5-DHBA) Results

Optimal Range for 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5-DHBA) Testing

Generally, falling within reference ranges for organic acids is recommended, although for many of these organic acids, a level towards the lower end of the reference range is considered optimal.  

It is essential to consult with the laboratory company used for their recommended reference range for 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5-DHBA).  

One company reports the following reference range for 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5-DHBA):  < 277.1 nmol/mg Creatinine  [10.]

Clinical Significance of Elevated Levels of 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5-DHBA)

Elevated levels of 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid may indicate excessive consumption of grains, especially in the setting of dysbiosis.  

Clinical Significance of Low Levels of 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5-DHBA)

Low levels of 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5-DHBA) are not considered clinically relevant.

3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5-DHBA) Related Biomarkers and Comparative Analysis

3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5-DHBA) is typically tested along with other organic acids to gain deeper insights into metabolic pathways and physiological processes.

Organic acids that may be tested as part of a panel include: 

2-Hydroxybutyric Acid: this acid is a marker for insulin resistance and increased oxidative stress.

2-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid: derived from phenylalanine metabolism, this acid is used as a biomarker in various metabolic assessments.

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid: a ketone body produced during fat metabolism, indicative of carbohydrate deprivation or ketogenic conditions.

3-Hydroxyisovaleric Acid: an organic acid that accumulates in leucine catabolism disorders, often elevated in maple syrup urine disease.

3-Indoleacetic Acid: a metabolite of tryptophan, it is significant in the study of serotonin pathways and plant growth regulation.

4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid: a derivative of tyrosine metabolism, it is linked to catechin (green tea) metabolism and may be produced by some intestinal bacteria.

4-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid: a breakdown product of tyrosine, used in diagnosing disorders involving the degradation of aromatic amino acids.

5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid: the main metabolite of serotonin, used as a marker in the diagnosis of carcinoid syndrome.

Adipic Acid: a dicarboxylic acid that can also be formed metabolically in humans through the oxidation of certain fatty acids.

a-Keto-b-Methylvaleric Acid: an intermediate in isoleucine metabolism, which can accumulate in certain metabolic disorders.

a-Ketoisocaproic Acid: an intermediate in the metabolism of leucine, elevated in maple syrup urine disease.

a-Ketoisovaleric Acid: a breakdown product of valine metabolism, also linked to maple syrup urine disease.

a-Ketoglutaric Acid: a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle, essential for energy production and nitrogen transport.

Benzoic Acid: produced from phenylalanine and polyphenol metabolism by intestinal bacteria. High levels in urine can indicate glycine deficiency or liver dysfunction.

Cis-Aconitic Acid: an intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, formed by the dehydration of citric acid.

Citric Acid: a central compound in the citric acid cycle, crucial for energy production in cells.

Ethylmalonic Acid: this acid accumulates in ethylmalonic encephalopathy and is involved in fatty acid metabolism.

Fumaric Acid: an intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, participating in energy production through its conversion to malate and subsequent participation in the generation of ATP.

‍Homovanillic Acid: a major metabolite of dopamine, used as a marker to monitor dopamine levels.

‍Hippuric Acid: formed from the conjugation of benzoic acid and glycine; elevated levels can indicate exposure to certain environmental toxins.

‍Hydroxymethylglutarate: an intermediate in leucine metabolism, also associated with disorders of ketogenesis and ketolysis.

Isocitric Acid: an isomer of citric acid and an important part of the citric acid cycle, pivotal in cellular energy production.

Kynurenic Acid: a product of tryptophan metabolism, known for its role as a neuroprotective agent.

‍Lactic Acid: produced from pyruvate via anaerobic metabolism, an indicator of hypoxia and strenuous exercise.

Malic Acid: a dicarboxylic acid found in fruits, and involved  in the citric acid cycle.

Methylmalonic Acid: an indicator of Vitamin B12 deficiency, it accumulates when the vitamin is deficient.

Methylsuccinic Acid: a dicarboxylic acid often involved in alternative pathways of fatty acid metabolism.

Orotic Acid: involved in the metabolism of pyrimidines, abnormalities in its levels can indicate metabolic disorders.

Pyroglutamic Acid: an uncommon amino acid derivative that can accumulate in glutathione synthesis disorders.

Pyruvic Acid: a key intersection in several metabolic pathways; its levels are crucial for assessing cellular respiration and metabolic function.

Quinolinic Acid: a neuroactive metabolite of the kynurenine pathway, elevated levels are associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

Suberic Acid: a dicarboxylic acid that is a biomarker in adipic aciduria, often studied in relation to fatty acid oxidation disorders.

Succinic Acid: a four-carbon dicarboxylic acid that plays a central role in the Krebs cycle, crucial for energy production.

Tricarballylic Acid: an organic acid that can inhibit aconitase in the citric acid cycle and is sometimes associated with glyphosate exposure.

Vanillylmandelic Acid: a metabolite of epinephrine and norepinephrine, used as a marker for neuroblastoma and other catecholamine-secreting tumors.

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