Oxidation of d(?)3-hydroxybutyrate administered to rats with extensive burns

Abstract

Although the suppressive effect of 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-OHB) on post-traumatic protein catabolism in traumatized patients is well documented, the oxidation of exogenously administered 3-OHB during catabolic stress has not been investigated. The present study was designed to evaluate, using radioactive isotopes, total body oxidation in rats with and without burn stress to which 3-OHB had been exogenously administered, in comparison with total body oxidation in such rats that had received glucose. The rats were divided into four groups, based on whether or not a 30% full-thickness burn was inflicted, and the type of infusate they received after the burn, namely, 3-OHB or glucose. The total exhaled CO2 was collected for 6h after the infusion was commenced, and 14CO2 was assayed in a liquid scintillation spectrometer. Oxidation of the infusate was calculated from the percentage of exhaled 14CO2 derived from the infused substrates. The plasma concentration of 3-OHB was significantly increased after the infusion in both the burned and non-burned rats. The total exhaled 14CO2 from the rats infused with glucose decreased from 48.2 +/- 2.4% to 40.8 +/- 3.7% (means +/- SD, P < 0.001) after thermal injury. However, the total exhaled 14CO2 from the rats infused with 3-OHB appeared sooner, and there was no difference in the total expired 14CO2 derived from 3-OHB between the burned and non-burned rats, at 68.1 +/- 2.7% vs 66.4 +/- 3.4%, respectively. These findings suggest that even under conditions of burn stress, 3-OHB can be oxidized normally if the plasma concentration of 3-OHB is elevated by exogenous administration.

The Dimer and Trimer of 3‐Hydroxybutyrate Oligomer as a Precursor of Ketone Bodies for Nutritional Care

“…We have administered 3-hydroxybutyrate after trauma,4 hemorrhage,5,12 and extensive burns. 13 We have confirmed that ketone bodies are well oxidized and have metabolic effects, such as suppression of hyperglycemia and proteolysis, after these injuries.13 For not only severely traumatized patients but also patients undergoing elective surgery, ketone bodies may have more general use as nutrition support.…”