Animal experiment:

Mice[1]Six week old mice are either treated with 3-Amino-2-methylpropanoic acid (BAIBA:100 mg/kg/day) or remains untreated (control mice). Their weights are monitored weekly[1].

3-Amino-2-methylpropanoic acid could induce browning of white fat and hepatic β-oxidation and is inversely correlated with cardiometabolic risk factors.

Weight is slightly decreased in the mice by the end of 3-Amino-2-methylpropanoic acid (BAIBA) treatment. Analysis of body composition using MRI demonstrates BAIBA treatment significantly decreases body fat in the mice. Consistent with the effects on thermogenic and β-oxidation gene expression and body weights, analysis with metabolic cages indicates that oxygen consumption (VO2) and whole body energy expenditure are increased in the BAIBA treated mice without any significant difference in activity or food intake. The mice are also challenged with an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT). BAIBA is found to significantly improve the glucose tolerance in the mice as determined by the area under the curve of the IPGTT[1].

[1]. Roberts LD, et al. β-Aminoisobutyric acid induces browning of white fat and hepatic β-oxidation and is inversely correlated with cardiometabolic risk factors. Cell Metab. 2014 Jan 7;19(1):96-108.