The ketogenic diet increases mitochondrial uncoupling protein levels and activity
Sullivan, P.G.; Rippy, N.A.; Dorenbos, K.; Concepcion, R.C.; Agarwal, A.K.; Rho, J.M.
Annals of Neurology 55(4): 576-580
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0364-5134 PMID: 15048898 DOI: 10.1002/ana.20062
Accession: 004357390
Fatty acids are known to enhance mitochondrial uncoupling protein (UCP) activity. We asked whether a high-fat ketogenic diet (KD) increases UCP levels and activity in hippocampi of juvenile mice. Maximum mitochondrial respiration rates were significantly (p<0.001) higher in KD- versus standard diet (SD)-treated animals, indicating increased UCP-mediated proton conductance that can reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.