Valproic acid, a short-chain branched fatty acid with HDAC inhibitory action, was shown to modify hepatic gluconeogenesis and fatty acid oxidation, lowering blood glucose while improving hepatic lipid metabolism and reducing liver steatosis in obese mice [140], making valproic acid a good candidate for use as an adjuvant treatment in obesity and diabetes. This evidence concerns the gene HDAC9 and obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.