Zou · The Journal of biological chemistry 2016 · In vitro and animal experimental study · n=?

Acetoacetate Accelerates Muscle Regeneration and Ameliorates Muscular Dystrophy in Mice.

Cited 74 times in the scientific literature.

Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data

Bench and animal research (in vitro cell assays and mouse models)

PubMed 26645687 · doi:10.1074/jbc.M115.676510 · record verified 2026-08-30

What was done

The authors evaluated the role of acetoacetate on muscle cell proliferation and muscle regeneration. They tested acetoacetate in normal mice and in mdx mice (a mouse model of muscular dystrophy). Multiparameter molecular analyses were performed to identify the downstream signaling pathway.

What was found

Acetoacetate promoted muscle cell proliferation, accelerated muscle regeneration in normal mice, and ameliorated muscular dystrophy in mdx mice via activation of the MEK1-ERK1/2-cyclin D1 pathway. No quantitative values, sample sizes, or effect sizes were reported in the abstract.

Why it matters

This study identifies a non-metabolic signaling role for acetoacetate in muscle cell regulation, pointing to potential therapeutic avenues for muscle regeneration and dystrophies.

Limits

The study is entirely preclinical (in vitro and mouse models) with unknown direct applicability to human clinical conditions. The abstract provides no quantitative data, sample sizes, dosing regimens, or statistical measures.

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