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Updated: Aug 27, 2025

Methods for the Determination of Rates of Glucose and Fatty Acid Oxidation in the Isolated Working Rat Heart
Published on: September 28, 2016
Ketone bodies and the heart
Athanasia K Papazafiropoulou1, Maximos M Georgopoulos1, Nikolaos L Katsilambros2,3
11 Department of Internal Medicine & Diabetes Center, General Hospital of Piraeus "Tzaneio", Piraeus, Greece.
Ketone bodies, like β-hydroxybutyric acid, are elevated in heart failure patients, correlating with increased myocardial energy metabolism. This review explores ketone bodies
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Ketone bodies, primarily β-hydroxybutyric acid and acetone, are low-chain organic substances.
- Physiological levels are typically low but increase during oxidative stress (exercise, fasting, illness).
- Elevated plasma concentrations of ketone bodies are observed in heart failure patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of ketone bodies in normal physiological and pathological conditions.
- To specifically examine the involvement of ketone bodies in heart failure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on ketone bodies.
- Analysis of findings related to heart failure and metabolic pathways.
- Exploration of the proposed role of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation exists between myocardial cell energy metabolism and β-hydroxybutyric acid/acetone levels.
- Increased ketone body concentrations are linked to heart failure.
- Mild ketosis induced by SGLT2 inhibitors may contribute to cardiovascular and renal benefits in type 2 diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Ketone bodies play a significant role in both normal metabolism and pathological states like heart failure.
- Understanding ketone body metabolism is crucial for exploring therapeutic strategies in cardiovascular diseases.
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