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The ketotic ratio (KB/NEFA) in man
Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology & Physiology
|July 1, 1981
Summary
The ketotic ratio predicts how the body produces ketones from fatty acids. This ratio remains a valid indicator even when hormones like noradrenaline influence ketone production independently of fat breakdown.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- The ketotic ratio (plasma ketone-body concentration / plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentration) may predict ketone response to fatty acid changes.
- Understanding hormonal regulation of ketogenesis is crucial for metabolic research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive value of the basal ketotic ratio.
- To assess the ketotic ratio's validity following acute increases in nonesterified fatty acids.
- To determine the effect of noradrenaline on the ketotic ratio and its predictive capacity.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of basal ketotic ratio with post-heparin induced nonesterified fatty acid increase.
- Administration of noradrenaline to assess its impact on the ketotic ratio.
- Analysis of plasma ketone-body and nonesterified fatty acid concentrations.
Main Results:
- The basal ketotic ratio effectively predicts ketone body concentration increases following elevated nonesterified fatty acids.
- This predictive value persisted when noradrenaline was administered.
- Noradrenaline administration resulted in a steeper regression line for the ketotic ratio.
Conclusions:
- The ketotic ratio is a valuable non-invasive in vivo method for assessing ketotic activity.
- It provides insight into direct hormonal effects on ketogenesis, independent of lipolysis.
- The ketotic ratio offers a reliable measure of metabolic response in physiological and pharmacological contexts.