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β-hydroxybutyrate and ischemic stroke: roles and mechanisms
Ge Feng1,2, Zongkai Wu2, Leyi Yang1,2
1Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
Molecular Brain
|July 29, 2024
Summary
Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is an alternative fuel source during limited glucose. This review explores BHB
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide.
- Ketone bodies, like beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), serve as alternative energy sources when glucose is scarce.
- Elevated BHB levels are observed in stroke-affected brain regions and linked to poorer clinical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of BHB in the context of ischemic stroke.
- To emphasize the therapeutic potential of ketone administration post-stroke.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms of BHB's neuroprotective effects.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating BHB in stroke models.
- Analysis of clinical data correlating BHB levels with stroke outcomes.
- Examination of experimental data on exogenous BHB administration.
Main Results:
- BHB is implicated in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia.
- Higher BHB concentrations are associated with adverse outcomes in ischemic stroke patients.
- Exogenous BHB demonstrates neuroprotective effects, reducing infarct size and improving neurological function in preclinical models.
Conclusions:
- BHB plays a dual role in ischemic stroke, potentially contributing to pathophysiology while offering therapeutic benefits.
- BHB shows promise as a prognostic biomarker for stroke.
- Ketone administration represents a potential therapeutic strategy for managing ischemic stroke.
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