Ketone body, as an emerging modulator of metabolic reprogramming and epigenetics in breast cancer

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Traditional Medicine and Materia Medica Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran

4 Aix Marseille University, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, iSm2, 13013 Marseille, France

5 Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran

10.22038/ijbms.2025.84064.18185

Abstract

The metabolic profile of cancer cells, notably their reliance on glucose as a primary energy source for proliferation, sets them apart from normal cells. This metabolic dependency may significantly affect their invasive potential when an adequate glucose supply is available. Moreover, emerging evidence underscores the critical role of metabolism in determining the epigenetic landscape of cells. To limit the glucose supply and alter cancer cell metabolism, researchers have investigated ketogenic diets as an alternative energy source for cancer cells and providing a promising strategy to combat cancers. However, controversial findings in the literature suggest a direct relationship between the use of ketone bodies in cancer cells and the augmentation of invasiveness. Additionally, studies indicate that using ketone bodies as an energy source can influence the epigenetic patterns of tumor cells. Breast cancer cells show a unique metabolism by which the cancer cells adapt to various conditions. This paper aims to review the metabolic characteristics of breast tumors, focusing on the ketone body metabolism in this cancer and the complex interplay between ketone bodies and the epigenetic changes in this cancer.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences
Volume 28, Issue 9
September 2025
Pages 1129-1139

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