The biochemistry of ketogenesis and its role in weight management, neurological disease and oxidative stress
Abstract
Ketogenesis is the branch of mammalian metabolism concerned with the synthesis of ketone bodies. In this process, the small, water-soluble compounds acetoacetate, D-3-β-hydroxybutyrate and propanone are produced by the liver in response to reduced glucose availability. Although ketone bodies are always present at a low level in healthy individuals, dietary manipulation and certain pathological conditions can increase the levels of these compounds in vivo. In some instances, such as in refractory epilepsy, high levels of ketone bodies can be beneficial-in this instance, by exerting an anticonvulsant effect. Conversely, if the levels of ketones rise to supraphysiological levels, as can occur in diabetes mellitus, a state of ketoacidosis can occur, which has serious consequences for cellular function. More recently, research has identified a possible link between ketogenesis and free radical-mediated pathologies, highlighting the potential application of ketogenic diets to the treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. Overall, an understanding of ketone body metabolism and its links to human disease may prove to be vital in developing new regimens for the treatment of human disease.
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The shift to ketone utilization reduces glucose demand, preserving skeletal muscle by decreasing the need for protein breakdown.
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- Authors
- McPherson, P. A. C., & McEneny, J.
- Affiliations
- Belfast Metropolitan College (GB)
- Queen's University Belfast (GB)
- Corresponding author
- McPherson, Peter Andrew C.
- Venue
- Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry
- Published
- 2011-10-08
- Volume
- 68
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 141-151
- ISSN
- 1138-7548 (ISSN-L)
- 1877-8755
- OpenAlex
- W2036032090
- Cited by
- 106
- References
- 56
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 13 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 12 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 6 · 2013: 5 · 2012: 3
- FWCI
- 0.48
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
- Locations
- Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Research Portal (Queen's University Belfast) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Diet and metabolism studies
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Dietary Effects on Health
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Clinical Biochemistry › Metabolism and Genetic Disorders
- Keywords
- ketogenesis, ketone bodies, acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetone, ketogenic diet, weight management, neurological disorders, oxidative stress, free radicals, drug-resistant epilepsy, anticonvulsant activity, ketoacidosis, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease
- MeSH terms
- Animals, Diet, Reducing, Energy Metabolism, Fasting, Humans, Ketone Bodies, Metabolic Diseases, Nervous System Diseases, Oxidation-Reduction, Oxidative Stress, Diet, Ketogenic
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