Ketone bodies β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and acetoacetate are important metabolic substrates for energy production during prolonged fasting. However, BHB also has signaling functions. Through several metabolic pathways or processes, BHB modulates nutrient utilization and energy expenditure. These findings suggest that BHB is not solely a metabolic intermediate, but also acts as a signal to regulate metabolism and maintain energy homeostasis during nutrient deprivation. We briefly summarize the metabolism and emerging physiological functions of ketone bodies and highlight the potential role for BHB as a signaling molecule in starvation response.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.04.005 | DOI Listing |
Mol Genet Genomics
January 2025
Autophagy Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Recent therapeutic strategies have highlighted the potential of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) as effective anticancer agents, particularly for colon cancer. These metabolites can modulate cellular metabolism and induce epigenetic changes, inhibiting tumor growth. Nonetheless, certain cancer cells may utilize ketone bodies, like BHB as nutrient sources under hypoxic conditions, potentially reducing treatment efficacy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJIMD Rep
January 2025
Adult and Paediatric National Metabolic Service Starship Children's Hospital, Te Toka Tumai, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland New Zealand.
Background: Deficiency of the Glut1 transporter due to mono-allelic variants in causes hypoglycorrhachia, resulting in a neurological spectrum from neonatal epilepsy to adult-onset paroxysmal movement disorders (PMD). The brain utilises ketone bodies as an alternative energy source to glucose. Thus, early initiation of the ketogenic diet (KD) is standard care for Glut1 deficiency syndrome (Glut1DS).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCardiovasc Res
January 2025
Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Recent evidence suggests that ketone bodies have therapeutic potential in many cardiovascular diseases including heart failure (HF). Accordingly, this has led to multiple clinical trials that use ketone esters to treat HF patients, which we term ketone therapy. Ketone esters, specifically ketone monoesters, are synthetic compounds which, when consumed, are de-esterified into two β-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB) molecules and increase the circulating βOHB concentration.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBrain Behav Immun
January 2025
University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic. Electronic address:
Mounting an immune response is a nutritionally demanding process that requires the systemic redistribution of energy stores towards the immune system. This is facilitated by cytokine-induced insulin resistance, which simultaneously promotes the mobilization of lipids and carbohydrates while limiting their consumption in immune-unrelated processes, such as development, growth, and reproduction. However, this adaptation also restricts the availability of nutrients to vital organs, which must then be sustained by alternative fuels.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntensive Care Med Exp
January 2025
Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, O&N1 Box 503, 3000, Louvain, Belgium.
Background: Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SICM) often occurs in the acute phase of sepsis and is associated with increased mortality due to cardiac dysfunction. The pathogenesis remains poorly understood, and no specific treatments are available. Although SICM is considered reversible, emerging evidence suggests potential long-term sequelae.
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