Central infusion of ketone bodies modulates body weight and hepatic insulin sensitivity by modifying hypothalamic leptin and insulin signaling pathways in type 2 diabetic rats.

Although the effects of ketogenic diets on energy and glucose homeostasis have been controversial, elevation of serum ketone levels by subcutaneous injection of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) can improve glucose homeostasis. Ketones may work through the brain; therefore, we evaluated whether the intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of β-hydroxybutyrates would also modulate peripheral energy and glucose homeostasis, and through what mechanisms, in diabetic rats fed a high fat diet in short- and long-term studies. Short-term (3h) central injection of BHB (50 μg/h) improved serum glucose levels and peripheral insulin sensitivity compared to the artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) group among 90% pancreatectomized (Px) diabetic rats, but not in non-diabetic Sham rats. In addition to short-term infusion, long-term (28 days) central infusion of BHB (12 μg/h) elevated serum BHB levels. Long-term infusion of BHB potentiated leptin and insulin signaling in the hypothalamus to slightly decrease body weight in Px rats. Central BHB infusion had a greater effect on peripheral glucose metabolism than overall energy metabolism. Hepatic insulin signaling (tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS2→serine phosphorylation of Akt→reduced expression of PEPCK) was potentiated and hepatic glucose production in the hyperinsulinemic state was suppressed in the diabetic rats. In addition, glucose tolerance was improved by central BHB infusion through enhanced whole body glucose disposal rates, but insulin secretion was not affected in the diabetic rats. In conclusion, mild ketosis by central infusion of ketones improves energy and glucose metabolism through the potentiation of leptin and insulin signaling in the hypothalamus of diabetic rats.