Impact of Aging on Metabolic Changes in the Ketotic Rat Brain: Glucose, Oxidative and 4-HNE Metabolism.

Neuroprotection by ketosis is thought to be associated with improved mitochondrial function, decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptotic and inflammatory mediators, and increased protective pathways. Oxidative injury to cells is often associated with lipid peroxidation. Accumulation of intermediary products of lipid peroxidation includes 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE; a toxic lipid peroxidation intermediate).