Core Insights - The article discusses the recent breakthrough research on the ketogenic diet and its metabolic effects, particularly focusing on the discovery of a new metabolic pathway involving the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and its amino acid derivatives that can effectively suppress food intake and control body weight [5][11]. Group 1: Research Findings - A joint study from Baylor College of Medicine and Stanford University identified a new metabolic pathway involving BHB that produces BHB-amino acids, which can significantly inhibit food intake [5][11]. - The research was inspired by a previous finding that a compound formed from lactate and phenylalanine (Lac-Phe) can suppress appetite and aid weight loss in mice [8][11]. - The study confirmed that the enzyme carnosine dipeptidase 2 (CNDP2) can catalyze the reaction between BHB and amino acids, leading to the synthesis of BHB-amino acids in various tissues [11][12]. Group 2: Experimental Results - Experiments showed that BHB-amino acid levels increased with higher ketone body levels, with the ketogenic diet group exhibiting the most significant changes [12]. - In a diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model, the injection of BHB-phenylalanine (50 mg/kg) significantly reduced food intake without affecting water consumption, exercise capacity, or other metabolic parameters [13][14]. - The mechanism of BHB-phenylalanine's appetite suppression was found to be independent of known appetite control pathways, indicating a novel regulatory pathway for food intake [14]. Group 3: Implications for Human Health - The study also demonstrated that the metabolic pathway involving BHB-amino acids is likely conserved in humans, as evidenced by increased plasma BHB-amino acid levels following a ketogenic diet in human volunteers [14]. - The researchers suggest that while the study focused on energy metabolism, BHB-amino acids may have implications for neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory responses, cancer progression, and age-related conditions, warranting further investigation [14].

Core Viewpoint - Japanese researchers have developed a compound named proAX that significantly extends the lifespan of nematodes by activating mitochondrial respiration and enhancing cellular energy metabolism [1] Group 1: Compound Development - The compound proAX improves mitochondrial function, which is crucial for synthesizing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the direct energy source for life activities [1] - The research highlights a scarcity of effective drugs globally that can enhance mitochondrial respiration and increase ATP levels [1] Group 2: Research Findings - Experimental results demonstrate that proAX can significantly prolong the lifespan of laboratory nematodes [1] - The findings have been published in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society, indicating a peer-reviewed validation of the research [1] Group 3: Future Research Directions - The research team plans to further evaluate the effects of proAX in mammalian models, such as mice, to assess its potential for broader applications [1]