The ketogenic diet (KD), a high-fat, adequate-protein and low-carbohydrate diet, produces a state of ketosis by forcing the body to use fats instead of glucose as a source of energy. It has been used as an alternative treatment in children with refractory epilepsy for decades. Although its mode of action is unclear, its efficacy in seizure control might be linked to alterations of ion channel currents regulating electrical activity in neurons. More recently, it has been shown that a KD can alter the ratio of NAD+/NADH, possibly by increasing the availability of NAD+ in the brain. Alterations in the availability of such crucial metabolic cofactor have consequences for several cellular pathways such as the inflammatory response, DNA damage repair, and circadian rhythm regulation. In addition, it has been demonstrated that the KD alters the gut microbiome composition with possible consequences on the gut-brain axis and, therefore, brain function. These generalized effects might prove beneficial in treating additional conditions, and of particular interest is the possibility of using the ketogenic diet as coadjuvant therapy to treat degenerative diseases. However, understanding the molecular mechanisms initiated by the diet is of vital importance for its correct application.

This Research topic focused on the mechanisms of action of the ketogenic diet aims at collecting recent discoveries centered on elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms induced by the ketogenic diet or ketone supplements on neural physiology and possibly, on metabolic and cognitive functions. The main objective is to compile the biological evidence available to support the implementation of the KD in the treatment of specific symptoms or particular diseases, with the goal of supporting targeted usage for better beneficial results.

We are particularly interested in recent discoveries using the KD that tackle the interplay between two or more of the following: metabolism, inflammation, and microbiome. We are interested in results collected in healthy as well as disease conditions, in humans or animal models, that allow a deeper understanding of the cellular pathways directly affected by the diet or the supplements. We seek Original Research, Review, Mini-Review, Hypothesis and Theory, Perspective, Clinical Trial, Case Report and Opinion articles that cover, but are not limited to, the following topics:

- How does the KD induce metabolic changes in the brain and peripheral organs

- What effects KD-induced metabolic changes have on downstream pathways

- How KD-induced downstream effects are related to inflammation

- How KD affects neuroinflammation and neural populations

- How diet-induced microbiome changes might affect systemic and neuroinflammation

- How diet-induced microbiome changes might affect brain health

- How does the KD modulate the interplay between metabolism, neuroinflammation and/or microbiome composition

Submit your idea

Impact

Frontiers in Neuroscience

Participating Journals

Impact