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Published on: June 7, 2024
Cerebral ketone metabolism during development and injury
1Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA Brain Injury Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7039, USA. mprins@mednet.ucla.edu
None:
Cerebral metabolism of ketones is a normal part of the process of brain development. While the mature brain relies on glucose as a primary fuel source, metabolism of ketone bodies remains an alternative energy source under conditions of starvation. The neuroprotective properties of brain ketone metabolism make this alternative substrate a viable therapeutic option for various pathologies. Since the ability to revert to utilizing ketones as an alternative substrate is greatest in the younger post-weaned brain, this particular therapeutic approach remains an untapped resource particularly for pediatric pathological conditions.
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