β-Hydroxybutyrate as an epigenetic modifier: Underlying mechanisms and implications

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a key ketone body, vital during starvation and implicated in diabetic ketoacidosis.
• BHB acts as an energy source and possesses anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties.
• Emerging research highlights BHB's role as a signaling molecule regulating epigenetic modifications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the metabolic processes of BHB.
• To elucidate BHB-mediated epigenetic mechanisms.
• To discuss BHB's role in various diseases and potential therapeutic applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of BHB metabolism and epigenetic regulation.
• Analysis of BHB's interaction with target proteins (HDACs, GPCRs).
• Examination of BHB's influence on histone modifications, DNA methylation, and microRNAs.

Main Results:

• BHB regulates histone acetylation, β-hydroxybutyrylation, methylation, and DNA methylation.
• These epigenetic changes affect gene activity without altering DNA sequence.
• BHB's epigenetic effects are implicated in cardiovascular, metabolic, neuropsychiatric, and other diseases.

Conclusions:

• BHB is a crucial metabolic intermediate with significant epigenetic regulatory functions.
• Understanding BHB-mediated epigenetics offers insights into disease pathogenesis.
• BHB presents potential as a therapeutic target for diverse conditions.