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Beta-Hydroxybutyrate HDAC Inhibitor

Meaning

This concept refers to the ketone body Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) acting as an endogenous inhibitor of Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes. BHB is a key energy source produced during fasting or ketogenic states, but its role extends beyond simple fuel provision. As an HDAC inhibitor, BHB directly influences the epigenome by preventing the removal of acetyl groups from histones, thus promoting an open chromatin structure. This dual function positions BHB as a crucial metabolic signaling molecule that directly couples energy status to gene expression programs related to longevity and stress resistance.