Metabolic Messengers: ketone bodies

Prospective molecular targets and therapeutic applications for ketone body metabolism have increased exponentially in the past decade. Initially considered to be restricted in scope as liver-derived alternative fuel sources during periods of carbohydrate restriction or as toxic mediators during diabetic ketotic states, ketogenesis and ketone bodies modulate cellular homeostasis in multiple physiological states through a diversity of mechanisms. Selective signalling functions also complement the metabolic fates of the ketone bodies acetoacetate and D-β-hydroxybutyrate. Here we discuss recent discoveries revealing the pleiotropic roles of ketone bodies, their endogenous sourcing, signalling mechanisms and impact on target organs, and considerations for when they are either stimulated for endogenous production by diets or pharmacological agents or administered as exogenous wellness-promoting agents.