Ketogenic diets and protective mechanisms in epilepsy, metabolic disorders, cancer, neuronal loss, and muscle and nerve degeneration

Journal of Food BiochemistryVolume 44, Issue 3 e13140 REVIEW Ketogenic diets and protective mechanisms in epilepsy, metabolic disorders, cancer, neuronal loss, and muscle and nerve degeneration Rui-Jun Li, Rui-Jun Li The Handsurgery Department, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorYang Liu, Yang Liu The Handsurgery Department, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorHuan-Qiu Liu, Huan-Qiu Liu The Anesthesia Department, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorJi Li, Corresponding Author Ji Li lchangchunj@yahoo.com orcid.org/0000-0002-4665-7863 The Anesthesia Department, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China Correspondence Ji Li, The Anesthesia Department, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130000, China. Email: lchangchunj@yahoo.comSearch for more papers by this author Rui-Jun Li, Rui-Jun Li The Handsurgery Department, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorYang Liu, Yang Liu The Handsurgery Department, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorHuan-Qiu Liu, Huan-Qiu Liu The Anesthesia Department, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorJi Li, Corresponding Author Ji Li lchangchunj@yahoo.com orcid.org/0000-0002-4665-7863 The Anesthesia Department, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China Correspondence Ji Li, The Anesthesia Department, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130000, China. Email: lchangchunj@yahoo.comSearch for more papers by this author First published: 14 January 2020 https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.13140Citations: 33Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract Ketogenic diet (KD), the “High-fat, low-carbohydrate, adequate-protein” diet strategy, replacing glucose with ketone bodies, is effective against several diseases, from intractable epileptic seizures, metabolic disorders, tumors, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, and neurodegeneration to skeletal muscle atrophy and peripheral neuropathy. Key mechanisms include augmented mitochondrial efficiency, reduced oxidative stress, and regulated phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase, gamma-aminobutyric acid-glutamate, Na+/K+ pump, leptin and adiponectin levels, ghrelin levels, lipogenesis, ketogenesis, lipolysis, and gluconeogenesis. In cancer cells, KD targets glucose metabolism, suppresses insulin-like growth factor-1 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, and reduces cancer cachexia and muscle waste and fatigue. An associated increased skeletal proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α activity alters systemic ketone body homeostasis, contributing toward attenuated diabetic hyperketonemia. Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties enable KD enhance endurance and sports performances while preventing exercise-induced muscle and organ debility. KD reduces metabolic syndromes-associated allodynia and promotes peripheral axonal and sensory regeneration. This review enlightens effects of KD on various disease conditions. Practical applications It is increasingly being realized that diet plays a very important role in our fight against several diseases. This can range from neurological disorders to diabetes and cancer. In this context, the potential of KD, the “High-fat, low-carbohydrate, adequate-protein” diet strategy, is increasingly being realized. In this article, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the benefits of KD against many diseases and discuss the underlying biochemical mechanisms. We hope that our write-up will stimulate further research on KD and help generate an interest for the populations to adopt this healthy diet. It can help overcome the problems associated with weight and dysregulated metabolism. Citing Literature Volume44, Issue3March 2020e13140 RelatedInformation