How Ketone-Body Signaling Influences Cellular Senescence and DNA Repair
While mainstream keto discourse often focuses on weight loss, emerging research in Cell Metabolism (2024) reveals ketosis as a modulator of aging pathways. Ketone bodies, particularly beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), activate sirtuin proteins (SIRT1–7), which regulate DNA repair and mitochondrial function. A study at MIT showed that mice on a cyclic ketogenic diet had 30% longer telomere length compared to controls, linked to BHB’s inhibition of the NF-κB inflammatory pathway.
Mechanistic Insights:
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Autophagy Enhancement: BHB upregulates the autophagic gene ATG16L1, promoting cellular waste clearance. In a human trial, keto-adapted individuals showed 42% higher autophagic markers after 12 weeks.
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Mitochondrial Optimization: Ketosis improves mitochondrial biogenesis via PGC-1α activation, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that accelerate aging.
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Hormonal Crosstalk: BHB suppresses mTORC1, a nutrient-sensing pathway linked to age-related diseases, while enhancing GH/IGF-1 signaling for muscle preservation.
Practical Application:
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Cyclic Keto with Fasting: Alternate 5 days of strict keto (≤20g carbs) with 2 days of moderate carb refeeds (50–100g) to balance autophagy and growth hormone release.
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Supplementation Protocol: 1g/kg body weight of MCT oil daily, paired with 500mg resveratrol to synergize SIRT1 activation.
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Biohacking Tools: Use continuous ketone monitoring (e.g., SiBio CKM) to track post-meal BHB spikes—optimal levels for longevity lie between 1.5–2.5 mmol/L.