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Ketogenesis
Hepatic mitochondrial production of ketone bodies (β-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, acetone) from acetyl-CoA derived from fatty acid β-oxidation during fasting, prolonged exercise, or carbohydrate restriction.
When acetyl-CoA exceeds TCA cycle capacity (low oxaloacetate from gluconeogenesis), HMG-CoA synthase produces ketone bodies that serve as fuel for brain, heart, and skeletal muscle. β-Hydroxybutyrate also has signaling roles (HDAC inhibition, NLRP3 inflammasome suppression). Therapeutic ketogenic diets are used in drug-resistant pediatric epilepsy and explored in glioblastoma and metabolic syndrome.
How each textbook covers it
Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, 8th ed. (Gropper) — Glossary
Hepatic mitochondrial pathway that converts acetyl-CoA (from β-oxidation) to acetoacetate, β-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone when carbohydrate is scarce. Provides fuel to brain and muscle during fasting.
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 4: Lipids and Lipid Metabolites
When acetyl-CoA exceeds TCA cycle capacity (low oxaloacetate from gluconeogenesis), HMG-CoA synthase produces ketone bodies that serve as fuel for brain, heart, and skeletal muscle. β-Hydroxybutyrate also has signaling roles (HDAC inhibition, NLRP3 inflammasome suppression). Therapeutic ketogenic diets are used in drug-resistant pediatric epilepsy and explored in glioblastoma and metabolic syndrome.
Related terms
Glucagon, Gluconeogenesis, Ketogenic diet, Ketone bodies, Ketosis, β-Oxidation