Mitochondrial oxidation of beta-hydroxybutyrate

Mitochondrial oxidation of beta-hydroxybutyrate is a biochemical process where the ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is transported into mitochondria and oxidized to acetoacetate by beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase. Acetoacetate is further metabolized to acetoacetyl-CoA and then to acetyl-CoA, feeding into the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle to produce ATP, supporting cellular energy needs, particularly during periods of low glucose availability (fasting, prolonged exercise, ketogenic diets). This process is vital in organs such as the brain, heart, and kidney. In addition to serving as an energy substrate, BHB also acts as a signaling molecule influencing autophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative stress response, inflammation, and epigenetic regulation through histone modifications[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

Beta-hydroxybutyrate oxidationKetone body oxidationOxidative metabolism of BHBMitochondrial ketone metabolism

For exogenous BHB: Serves as a substrate for mitochondrial oxidation, raising ATP via TCA cycle entry[1][5]. Modulates NAD+/NADH ratio, activating sirtuin signaling[1]. Indirect epigenetic modulation (histone beta-hydroxybutyrylation, HDAC inhibition)[4]. Anti-inflammatory effects via NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition[4].