Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) elicits concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory effects on microglial cells which are reversible by blocking its monocarboxylate (MCT) importer

This in vitro study found that beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a molecule produced during ketosis, reduces inflammation in mouse microglia cells in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting a possible mechanism for the ketogenic diet's benefits. The effects were partly reversed by blocking a transporter that BHB uses to enter cells, indicating BHB may act both inside and outside the cells. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in living organisms.

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This is an average in vitro study with limitations inherent to its methodology. It uses a mouse model to suggest relevance to human microglial behavior, but the findings need to be validated in more complex model systems like in vivo studies. The experimental design is generally sound, but the limitations of using cell lines and the in vitro setup cap the potential impact of the findings.