Thread by @KetoCounselor

I want you to know that the ketone body Acetoacetate is a powerful gene-signaling molecule. (1/14)

Acetoacetate has been shown to inhibit histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity in the brain, leading to increased histone acetylation and altered gene expression. (2/14)

Acetoacetate has been shown to inhibit HDAC activity, leading to increased histone acetylation and altered gene expression. This affects the expression of genes involved in synaptic plasticity and cognitive function in the brain. (3/14)

But like, which genes are being influenced by this super cool effect of a ketogenic diet? I am going to tell you. ⬇️ (4/14)

BDNF is a neurotrophic factor that is important for the growth and maintenance of neurons, and for synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. (5/14)

Studies have shown that acetoacetate can increase the expression of BDNF in the brain, possibly by inhibiting HDAC activity and increasing histone acetylation at the BDNF gene promoter. (6/14)

Several genes involved in synaptic plasticity and cognitive function have been shown to be regulated by histone acetylation. (7/14)

For example, the expression of the Arc gene, which is involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity and long-term memory, is increased by histone acetylation. (8/14)

Acetoacetate may therefore affect the expression of genes such as Arc by inhibiting HDAC activity and increasing histone acetylation. (9/14) #ketones #genes

And if all that wasn't enough to consider a ketogenic diet let's talk about the many effects this ketone body has on neuronal signaling pathways. (10/14)

These include those involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and release, regulated by gene expression. (11/14)

Histone acetylation can affect the expression of genes involved in these pathways, and acetoacetate may therefore have an impact on neuronal signaling by altering histone acetylation. (12/14)

So basically, acetoacetate can affect the expression of genes involved in synaptic plasticity and cognitive function by inhibiting HDAC activity and increasing histone acetylation. (13/14)

This may have important implications for brain function and neurological disorders. And it certainly has treatment implications for serious mental illness. (14/14)