Ketone bodies as signaling metabolites.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review synthesizing mechanistic concepts without systematic methodology or primary human data.
PubMed 24140022 · doi:10.1016/j.tem.2013.09.002
What was done
This narrative review synthesized literature on the regulation and signaling functions of ketone bodies, focusing on beta-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB) as an extracellular receptor ligand and endogenous histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor in the context of caloric restriction and aging-related diseases.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical findings or quantitative effect sizes. It describes a mechanistic model in which βOHB functions beyond an energy carrier to link dietary states directly to chromatin modifications and gene expression.
Why it matters
Reframing ketone bodies as signaling metabolites and epigenetic modulators provides a biological mechanism for how fasting, ketogenic states, and caloric restriction may alter metabolic health and aging pathways.
Limits
As a narrative review, the abstract includes no systematic search methodology, no quantitative synthesis, and no primary clinical trial data to establish human therapeutic efficacy.
Cited by
- supports Ketones, elevated during fasting and sustained exercise, act as signaling molecules that affect gene expression by modulating deacetylase enzymes.