| ketone | <biochemistry> A byproduct of fat metabolism. An overabundance of ketones in the bloodstream is seen in a severe metabolic derangement known as diabetic ketoacidosis. (27 Sep 1997) |
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| ketone alcohol | A compound containing a carbonyl or ketone group as well as a hydroxyl group; e.g., dihydroxyacetone. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ketone-aldehyde mutase | <enzyme> An enzyme that catalyses the interconversion of methylglyoxal and lactate, with glutathione serving as a coenzyme. Chemical name: S-Lactoyl-glutathione methylglyoxal-lyase (isomerizing) Registry number: EC 4.4.1.5 (12 Dec 1998) |
| ketone bodies | The substances beta-hydroxybutyric acid, acetoacetic acid, and acetone, which are produced by fatty acid and carbohydrate metabolism in the liver in approximately a 78:20:2 ratio. Acetoacetate is produced from acetyl-CoA. most is enzymatically converted to beta-ketobutyrate, but a small amount is spontaneously decarboxylated to acetone. The ketone bodies can be used as fuels by muscle and brain tissue. In starvation and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, large quantities are produced, causing metabolic acidosis and elevated blood and urine levels of all three ketone bodies. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ketone body | <biochemistry> Any of the three compounds created by acetyl coenzyme A (acetoacetate, hydroxybutyrate, and acetone) which are water-soluble cellular fuels normally exported by the liver. They can build up in the blood and body tissues because of starvation, untreated diabetes mellitus, or other disorders that interfere with carbohydrate metabolism. The body rids itself of ketones mainly through urine, but it rids itself of acetone through the lungs, which gives the breath a characteristic fruity odour. If ketones build up in the body long enough, they cause serious illness and coma (see ketoacidosis.) (09 Oct 1997) |