Ketone Ester D-β-Hydroxybutyrate-(R)-1,3 Butanediol Prevents Decline in Cardiac Function in Type 2 Diabetic Mice

In this mouse study, type 2 diabetic (db/db) and wild-type mice were fed a control diet or a diet in which carbohydrates were replaced equicalorically by D-beta-hydroxybutyrate-(R)-1,3 butanediol monoester. After 4 weeks, echocardiography showed the ketone ester diet improved systolic and diastolic function in db/db mice. It also enhanced mitochondrial oxygen consumption, restored decreased expression of thioredoxin and glutathione peroxidase 4, reduced permeability transition pore activity, and increased mitochondrial biogenesis, quality control and mitophagy in db/db cardiomyocytes.