Endogenous Ketogenesis is the natural, internal metabolic process, primarily occurring within the liver mitochondria, responsible for the de novo synthesis of ketone bodies from the breakdown of fatty acids. This physiological state is a critical adaptation for survival, providing an alternative fuel source for extrahepatic tissues, especially the brain, during prolonged fasting, starvation, or carbohydrate-restricted diets. The initiation of this pathway signifies a fundamental shift in systemic fuel metabolism from glucose-centricity to fat utilization.
Origin
The term is a direct combination of ‘endogenous,’ meaning originating from within an organism, and ‘ketogenesis,’ the process of ketone body formation. This foundational concept in biochemistry and endocrinology emerged from the early 20th-century investigation into fat metabolism and its role in maintaining energy balance during periods of nutrient scarcity. Understanding this internal process is vital for interpreting clinical metabolic profiles.
Mechanism
The process is initiated when high rates of fatty acid oxidation yield an excess of acetyl-CoA that overwhelms the capacity of the citric acid cycle. Two molecules of acetyl-CoA condense to form acetoacetyl-CoA, which is then further processed through a series of enzymatic steps involving HMG-CoA synthase and HMG-CoA lyase. This cascade ultimately yields acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate, which are released into the bloodstream for use by other tissues. Hormonal shifts, particularly a low insulin-to-glucagon ratio, are the primary regulators that activate the necessary hepatic enzymes for this pathway.
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