Relationship between serum β-hydroxybutyrate and hepatic fatty acid oxidation in individuals with obesity and NAFLD
Mary P. Moore, Grace Shryack, Isabella Alessi, Nicole Wieschhaus, Grace M. Meers, Sarah A. Johnson, Andrew A. Wheeler, Jamal A. Ibdah, Elizabeth J. Parks, R. Scott Rector
Abstract
Serum β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) is frequently utilized as a surrogate marker for hepatic fatty acid oxidation; however, few studies have investigated this relationship during states of liver disease. We found that the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with reductions in circulating β-HB and liver 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2). As well, decreased rates of hepatic fatty acid oxidation correlated with liver HMGCS2 mRNA and serum β-HB. Our work supports serum β-HB as a potential marker for hepatic fatty acid oxidation and liver injury during NAFLD.