NCIt 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.;