Beta-hydroxybutyrate is a ketone body that influences energy metabolism, particularly during periods of glucose scarcity. Its importance extends far beyond being a simple energy carrier, as it functions as both a metabolite and a signaling molecule with wide-ranging effects on cellular processes.βOHB serves as an alternative energy source when glucose availability is limited, such as during fasting, prolonged exercise, or adherence to ketogenic diets. Synthesized in the liver from fatty acids, βOHB is transported to various tissues, including the brain, heart, and muscles, where it is metabolized to acetyl-CoA and ultimately ATP. This process is particularly important for the brain, which derives a significant portion of its energy from ketone bodies during glucose scarcity. As a messaging molecule, βOHB is an endogenous inhibitor of histone deacetylases, serves as a ligand for at least two cell surface receptors and produces metabolites such as acetyl-CoA, succinyl-CoA, and NAD+, which themselves have signaling activities. It is cardioprotective, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory. AkrivisBio’s fluorescence-based β-Hydroxybutyrate Assay is a simple sensitive way to measure βOHB in a variety of samples with a sensitivity below 1 µM.
