4-cresol

4-cresol, also known as 4-methylphenol or p-cresol, is a small molecule natural metabolite and xenobiotic substance being investigated as a potential therapeutic agent for metabolic disorders. Research, notably by Metabolica Drug Discovery, has identified an inverse correlation between serum concentrations of 4-cresol and type 2 diabetes. In preclinical models, chronic administration of non-toxic doses of 4-cresol has been shown to reduce adiposity, improve glucose tolerance, and decrease liver triglycerides. Its therapeutic potential is attributed to its ability to act as a regulator of pancreatic β-cell function, enhancing insulin secretion and stimulating β-cell proliferation. Mechanistically, 4-cresol binds to several protein kinases, including TNK1, EIF2AK4 (GCN2), and RPS6KA3 (RSK2), the latter of which is highly expressed in human and rat pancreatic islets.

Other names

4-methylphenolp-cresol