Question

1. explain the ramifications to human metabolism of the brain lacking β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase

Answer 1

$\beta$ hydroxy butyrate dehydrogenase is needed for the synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies and metabolism of butyric acid.This enzyme thereby play acrucial role in physiological homeostasis.

$\beta$ hydroxy butyrate can provide upto 70% of brain energy supply during starvation,fasting,neonatal period,post exercise,pregnancy and low carbohydrate diets.In the absence of this enzyme there may be problems in signalling mediators,protein post translational modification and modulatosof inflammation and oxidative stress.In addition to all these in the absence of this enzyme there may be localized detrimental effects within the brain