a-Hydroxybutyric Acid
Optimal Result:
0 - 0.83 mmol/mol creatinine.
α-hydroxybutyric acid (2-hydroxybuturic acid [2-HB]) is a marker that relates to oxidative stress. 2-HB is an organic acid produced from α-ketobutyrate via the enzymes lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) or α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH). These enzymes are catalyzed by NADH. Oxidative stress creates an imbalance in NADH/NAD ratios, which leads directly to the production of 2-HB. Being that 2-HB’s precursor α-ketobutyrate is a byproduct in the glutathione (GSH) synthesis pathway, an increased demand for GSH may ultimately result in increased 2-HB. Increased oxidative stress associated with insulin resistance increases the rate of hepatic glutathione synthesis. Plasma 2-HB is highly associated with insulin resistance and may be an effective biomarker for prediabetes. A study on type 2 diabetics showed that GSH infusion restored the NADH/NAD balance and resulted in improvement of insulin sensitivity and beta cell function.
References:
- Dorcely B, Katz K, Jagannathan R, et al. Novel biomarkers for prediabetes, diabetes, and associated complications. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2017;10:345-361.
- Gall WE, Beebe K, Lawton KA, et al. alpha-hydroxybutyrate is an early biomarker of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in a nondiabetic population. PloS one. 2010;5(5):e10883.
- Paolisso G, Giugliano D, Pizza G, et al. Glutathione infusion potentiates glucose-induced insulin secretion in aged patients with impaired glucose tolerance. Diabetes Care. 1992;15(1):1-7.
- Landaas S, Pettersen JE. Clinical conditions associated with urinary excretion of 2-hydroxybutyric acid. Scand J Clin Lab Invest. 1975;35(3):259-266.
Lab Results Explained and Tracked
What does it mean if your a-Hydroxybutyric Acid result is too high?
Higher circulating levels of 2-HB are associated with insulin resistance and prediabetes. Elevated α-hydroxybutyric acid may be seen with oxidative stress. Evaluate oxidative stress markers such as lipid peroxides and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and ensure adequate antioxidant intake and glutathione status. Hard physical exercise can result in lactic acidosis and accumulation of 2-HB.
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What does it mean if your a-Hydroxybutyric Acid result is too low?
There are no known clinical associations with low levels of α-hydroxybutyric acid.
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