Substrate Metabolism, Growth Hormone Signaling (GH), and Insulin Sensitivity During GH and Ketone Bodies Infusion

Background: Humans naturally produce ketone bodies under daily living conditions. The main ketone bodies are two functioning acids, beta-hydroxybutyric acid (3-OHB) and acetoacetate, and the pH-neutral, but odorous, acetone. In the fed state, level of 3-OHB is suppressed to an almost unmeasurable level while, in the fasted state, it rises to 0.1-0.5 millimoles (mM). Main regulation of ketone synthesis is the abundance of sugars and resulting adaptations in insulin secretion. Thus, ketone bodies are formed when sugar is not readily available and insulin is suppressed. This picture is, to a certain degree, seen in acute inflammatory states and, indeed, during starvation, where level of 3-OHB increases to 5-8 mM.

Hypothesis:

1. Ketone bodies changes the insulin sensitivity and substrate metabolism in human subjects 2. Ketone bodies changes the GH signaling in muscle and adipose tissue

Aim: The investigators wish to provide knowledge on changes in metabolites and shift in signaling pathways and insulin sensitivity during GH infusion and concomitant ketone bodies infusion among healthy subjects.