β-Hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 1: A promising therapeutic target for diverse diseases

β-Hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 1 (BDH1), a short-chain dehydrogenase located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, has been extensively studied for its critical role in ketone body metabolism. Recent research has expanded its known functions and revealed its involvement in the regulation of various physiological and pathological processes, including glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. As a result, BDH1's role in diverse pathological conditions, such as metabolic disorders, cancer, and cardiomyopathy, has garnered substantial research attention. This paper reviews the functions of BDH1 in different diseases and explores the effects of diet and pharmacological agents on BDH1 expression. In addition, the potential of BDH1 as a therapeutic target, especially in the context of metabolic diseases, is examined. Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying BDH1's action in diseases, which can provide a solid theoretical foundation for its clinical application.