United States: Previous known as simply an output of liver metabolisms for energy, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) has evolved into an important regulator of body processes during fasting or exercising. Currently its applications in the management of obesity and diabetes are under research.
A New Pathway Identified
A study led by Dr. Jonathan Z. Long of Stanford University revealed that BHB plays a role in a novel metabolic pathway. The enzyme CNDP2 reacts with BHB and amino acids to produce BHB-Phe, a compound that significantly impacts metabolism and body weight in animal models, as reported by scitechdaily.com.
BHB-Phe’s Effect on Feeding and Weight in Mice
Dr. Yong Xu’s team at Baylor College of Medicine explored how BHB-Phe influences feeding behavior. Using brain mapping, they discovered that BHB-Phe activates neurons in the hypothalamus and brainstem, suppressing appetite and reducing weight. In contrast, mice lacking the CNDP2 enzyme that produces BHB-Phe ate more and gained weight.
How Does BHB-Phe Compare to Lac-Phe?
The research also examined Lac-Phe, a metabolite linked to exercise that reduces food intake and obesity. Interestingly, BHB-Phe and Lac-Phe activate distinct neural pathways in the brain, suggesting they regulate feeding behaviors through different mechanisms.
Implications for Obesity and Beyond
The discovery of the BHB-Phe pathway opens doors to novel treatments for obesity and related conditions. “This work opens up many new possibilities,” said Dr. Long. Future research could explore BHB-Phe supplementation as a weight-loss strategy without dietary restrictions, as reported by scitechdaily.com.
Altogether, these observations contribute not only to increased knowledge of metabolism but also to a hope for the development of new approaches in the fight against obesity and certain metabolic disorders. Scientists are always interested in furthering the understanding of possible treatment applications of BHB-Phe.