Ketone bodies

What drives ketogenesis? (production of ketone bodies for the brain)

Build up of acetyl-CoA in the liver, where gluconeogenesis and fatty acid metabolism are occuring

How does prolonged glucose deprivation lead to high acetyl-CoA yields?

Oxaloacetate is shunted toward gluconeogenesis which leads to build up of acetyl-CoA. Oxaloacetate is also needed for acetyl-CoA to enter glycolysis, but if all is getting shunted to gluconeogenesis it can’t enter the cycle so acetyl-CoA builds up

What three ketone bodies is acetyl-CoA converted into when oxaloacetate is depleted?

Acetone, acetoacetate, and beta-hydroxybutyrate

How do ketone bodies cross the blood brain barrier?

Soluble ketone bodies can cross through monocarboxylate transporters, and then can be reconverted to acetyl-CoA for glycolysis in the brain

What is diabetic ketoacidosis?

if a type 1 diabetic misses several insulin doses, glucose wont get taken into cells and will accumulate in the blood- with no glucose inside cells, gluconeogenesis and fatty acid metabolism occur and ketone bodies increase a alot

What happens if diabetic ketoacidosis is left unchecked?

decrease in blood pH, blood glucose continues increasing- results in metabolic acidosis and hyperglycemia