June 2016 PMID 27253067

Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate.

Sama F Sleiman, Jeffrey Henry, Rami Al-Haddad, Lauretta El Hayek, Edwina Abou Haidar, Thomas Stringer, Devyani Ulja, Saravanan S Karuppagounder, Edward B Holson, Rajiv R Ratan, Ipe Ninan, Moses V Chao

Mentions

268
Peak: 7 in May 2021
across 5 sources since Jan 2019

Extended reach

282,202
potential audience

Total likes

65

Video views

794

Mentions per month

Jan 2019 – Sep 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News188 articles
  • X / Twitter39 posts
  • Facebook29 posts
  • Blogs10 articles
  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The collective comments demonstrate high agreement and curiosity regarding how exercise elevates BDNF via β-hydroxybutyrate, with posts referencing detailed mechanisms like HDAC inhibition and neurotransmitter release, illustrating both scientific engagement and enthusiasm for the topic.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions strongly support the article's claims, emphasizing the beneficial role of exercise and ketone bodies in brain health.

InterestHigh interest

Posts show high interest by exploring detailed mechanisms and asking questions about broader implications.

EngagementHigh engagement

Many users engage deeply by referencing specific studies, discussing molecular pathways, and sharing related personal insights.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions highlight significant potential for influence on health practices and scientific understanding, though some debate remains about the practical application.

Abstract in brief

  • Exercise promotes brain health by increasing BDNF, a protein linked to improved cognition and reduced depression and anxiety.
  • The specific ways that exercise boosts BDNF gene expression are not well understood, but recent findings suggest that the metabolite β-hydroxybutyrate released during prolonged exercise may play a key role.
  • β-hydroxybutyrate enhances BDNF activity by targeting specific histone deacetylases (HDAC2 and HDAC3) and is linked to increased neurotransmitter release, indicating a natural mechanism through which exercise benefits brain function.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
JT | Jerry Teixeira
@jerryteixeira · X

Many prefer to not eat low carb, but you can still get the health benefits of ketone bodies through exercise without “eating keto” We know exercise has myriad health benefits How many come from exercise enduced ketone production? Here is one

Jul 18, 2019 · 20 likes · 3 shares · 79,383 followers View post →
VT LG56
@lowgravity56 · X

Source 4: Jiménez-Maldonado et al. 2014 (PLOS ONE) – https://t.co/r7X122jFBu Source 5: Sleiman et al. 2016 (eLife) – https://t.co/RAzeUDjuSr Source 6: Niemann et al. 2014 (Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience) – https://t.co/G7gXecTZm6

Sep 12, 2025 · 11 likes · 8,150 followers View post →
Dr Mark D'Arcy
@markoftheD · X

An interesting mechanism that seems to show that BDNF (brain derived growth factor), which improves neuronal connectivity (brain health), is stimulated by β-hydroxybutyrate. This is produced during exercise or when engaging in a ketogenic diet #Science https://t.co/nk4BpPrd4i

May 1, 2021 · 9 likes · 5 shares · 24,706 followers View post →
Nick Norwitz MD PhD
@nicknorwitz · X

@KetoCarnivore @upyrbike @HermanPontzer @Travis_Statham @TuckerGoodrich @paulmelzer1 @throwingspears @LowCarbVet @p70S6K @bendormiki @CarnivoreMD @KenDBerryMD @DrPaulMason @SBakerMD @KetoDocCLT @KevinH_PhD @ProfTimNoakes @Ad_SotoMota @vybarr @Kevin65379773 This is best paper on the topic, in my opinion https://t.co/T2Z4FCfQdf Mice expirements --> Exercise elevates circulating ketones. ketones HDAC2 and HDAC3 and, thereby, induces BDNF gene expression in the hippocampus. ...

Jun 28, 2020 · 5 likes · 112,898 followers View post →
Dr. Myohead
@DrMyohead · X

@B_Holmer @JWLevitt I got down this rabbit hole in the PhD. I think it might have to do with β-hydroxybutyrate inducing BDNF in the hippocampus Fascinating topic in general See here: https://t.co/9GX5QP1qhc https://t.co/7bs3stufXR

Mar 16, 2024 · 3 likes · 2,653 followers View post →
AKA_Sadrien
@AKA_Sadrien · X

@jerryteixeira "Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate" https://t.co/h12jgXzuNH

Nov 20, 2020 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 789 followers View post →

All mentions

VT LG56
@lowgravity56 · X

Source 4: Jiménez-Maldonado et al. 2014 (PLOS ONE) – https://t.co/r7X122jFBu Source 5: Sleiman et al. 2016 (eLife) – https://t.co/RAzeUDjuSr Source 6: Niemann et al. 2014 (Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience) – https://t.co/G7gXecTZm6

Sep 12, 2025 · 11 likes · 8,150 followers View post →
Dr. Myohead
@DrMyohead · X

@B_Holmer @JWLevitt I got down this rabbit hole in the PhD. I think it might have to do with β-hydroxybutyrate inducing BDNF in the hippocampus Fascinating topic in general See here: https://t.co/9GX5QP1qhc https://t.co/7bs3stufXR

Mar 16, 2024 · 3 likes · 2,653 followers View post →
タローマン
@tomo_pika0217 · X

Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate https://t.co/qLZNtQgeJB

Nov 16, 2023 · 435 followers View post →
Jonathan Ruiz (Taylor's Version)
@ruizjc99 · X

@hugocorralesMD Además, hay que insistir en que la actividad física sea agradable para quien la realiza. Múltiples estudios en animales y humanos sobre los efectos del ejercicio muestran resultados dispares cuando esta actividad es voluntaria o no. Aquí un ejemplo: https://t.co/aJ5InD1PqZ

Sep 27, 2023 · 449 followers View post →
Pan Janek
@psych_janek · X

@wszczeklik @Igor_psycholog Aktywność fizyczna również dobrze wpływa na głowę, zwiększa BDNF,a na starość jest czynnikiem chroniącym przed otępieniem. Ale trening poznawczy też zwiększa BDNF.

Aug 16, 2023 · 1 like · 309 followers View post →
Christos Tsakmakis
@khristaki · X

Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate https://t.co/hZflp5FwGM

Jan 20, 2023 · 366 followers View post →
Orlando_uy
@Orlando_uy · X

Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate. https://t.co/jaUpKqMEJg

Jan 11, 2023 · 695 followers View post →
Erin H
@erin0567 · X

#Exercise promotes the expression of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) which plays an important role in neuronal survival and growth. https://t.co/BE1SaPoE52

Sep 6, 2022 · 1 like · 319 followers View post →
david p
@deyanp1 · X

Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate https://t.co/4n31YO3RsP

Feb 2, 2022 · 172 followers View post →
Manga Panel
@nEmezyz_bytes · X

menarique, olahrga bisa bikin peningkatan kognisi? jadi sebelum belajar jngan lupa angkat bban dlu wkwk.clear mistrinya Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate https://t.co/Em5IWR4vyW

Oct 25, 2021 · 105 followers View post →
ingeborg oppenheimer
@ingeoppenheimer · X

interested in the p's and q's behind the mental benefits of regular working out? read this LENGTHY article: Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate https://t.co/ce8CtDMYU0

Jun 5, 2021 · 1 like · 1,244 followers View post →
Inwazja Śrubek
@ISrubek · X

@CSwiata Aktywność fizyczna zwiększa produkcję kwasu 3-hydroksymasłowego w wątrobie, ten wraz z krwiobiegiem dostaje się do mózgu i hamuje pewną deacetylazę histonową, której rolą jest hamowanie ekspresji genu BDNF. Przynajmniej u myszy. https://t.co/v2woL3vv0C

May 28, 2021 · 1 like · 2,706 followers View post →
Neurometabolism
@Neurometabolis1 · X

RT @markoftheD: An interesting mechanism that seems to show that BDNF (brain derived growth factor), which improves neuronal connectivity (…

May 3, 2021 · 5 shares · 559 followers View post →
Richard Halliwell
@rmthalliwell · X

RT @markoftheD: An interesting mechanism that seems to show that BDNF (brain derived growth factor), which improves neuronal connectivity (…

May 2, 2021 · 5 shares · 755 followers View post →
koheitag ᴾʳᵒᵒᶠ of staying for all ⁷
@GentTracy · X

RT @markoftheD: An interesting mechanism that seems to show that BDNF (brain derived growth factor), which improves neuronal connectivity (…

May 2, 2021 · 5 shares · 978 followers View post →
Dr Mark D'Arcy
@markoftheD · X

RT @markoftheD: An interesting mechanism that seems to show that BDNF (brain derived growth factor), which improves neuronal connectivity (…

May 2, 2021 · 5 shares · 24,706 followers View post →
Nicholas Shaw
@Lambdoid · X

RT @markoftheD: An interesting mechanism that seems to show that BDNF (brain derived growth factor), which improves neuronal connectivity (…

May 1, 2021 · 5 shares · 2,666 followers View post →
Dr Mark D'Arcy
@markoftheD · X

An interesting mechanism that seems to show that BDNF (brain derived growth factor), which improves neuronal connectivity (brain health), is stimulated by β-hydroxybutyrate. This is produced during exercise or when engaging in a ketogenic diet #Science https://t.co/nk4BpPrd4i

May 1, 2021 · 9 likes · 5 shares · 24,706 followers View post →
Integrated Manual Medicine UK ltd
@immltduk · X

Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate https://t.co/TWLdbdscFI

Apr 4, 2021 · 136 followers View post →
Rene Sugar
@renesugar · X

Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate https://t.co/FXKxqaHNO8 "β-hydroxybutyrate causes an increase in neurotransmitter release, which is dependent upon the TrkB receptor."

Mar 27, 2021 · 3,969 followers View post →
Rene Sugar
@renesugar · X

Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate https://t.co/FXKxqaHNO8 "action of β-hydroxybutyrate is specifically upon HDAC2 and HDAC3, which act upon selective Bdnf promoters."

Mar 27, 2021 · 3,969 followers View post →
DesignedByNature
@DesignedNature · X

I just posted "Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (2016)" on Reddit https://t.co/rJfGUnBiPX

Mar 23, 2021 · 437 followers View post →
Akshay D
@Akshz13 · X

@pankaj https://t.co/Jamp6sTGIs

Feb 18, 2021 · 1 like · 60 followers View post →
Kevin
@Kevindanielpg · X

RT @AKA_Sadrien: @jerryteixeira "Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ket…

Dec 23, 2020 · 2 shares · 546 followers View post →
melissa
@melisssav_xo · X

RT @AKA_Sadrien: @jerryteixeira "Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ket…

Nov 20, 2020 · 2 shares · 297 followers View post →
AKA_Sadrien
@AKA_Sadrien · X

@jerryteixeira "Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate" https://t.co/h12jgXzuNH

Nov 20, 2020 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 789 followers View post →
Nick Norwitz MD PhD
@nicknorwitz · X

@KetoCarnivore @upyrbike @HermanPontzer @Travis_Statham @TuckerGoodrich @paulmelzer1 @throwingspears @LowCarbVet @p70S6K @bendormiki @CarnivoreMD @KenDBerryMD @DrPaulMason @SBakerMD @KetoDocCLT @KevinH_PhD @ProfTimNoakes @Ad_SotoMota @vybarr @Kevin65379773 This is best paper on the topic, in my opinion https://t.co/T2Z4FCfQdf Mice expirements --> Exercise elevates circulating ketones. ketones HDAC2 and HDAC3 and, thereby, induces BDNF gene expression in the hippocampus. ...

Jun 28, 2020 · 5 likes · 112,898 followers View post →
AKA_Sadrien
@AKA_Sadrien · X

@wellboy Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate https://t.co/LLy3pANGvF https://t.co/KMnX6Z5cIO

Sep 23, 2019 · 1 like · 789 followers View post →
AKA_Sadrien
@AKA_Sadrien · X

@AntoineJonatha5 @gthomas_ssb @Dick_Muller @HodkinsonAlice @Sugar51976529 @tkilgour11 @carrieph2 @ProfTimNoakes @zoeharcombe @Riverpixie1 @VTLandau @imsiddharthm @bigfatsurprise @DrAseemMalhotra @aarc_tweets @PulmonaryNews @RobertLustigMD @KenDBerryMD @FatEmperor "Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate" https://t.co/LLy3pANGvF

Sep 1, 2019 · 1 like · 789 followers View post →
AKA_Sadrien
@AKA_Sadrien · X

https://t.co/mVvDjIYgQe "Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate" https://t.co/ruKAso8v5V "Modulation of Autophagy by BDNF Underlies Synaptic Plasticity" https://t.co/4E23SnltmT

Aug 23, 2019 · 790 followers View post →
AllIn Computer (Esther)
@estocanam2 · X

Exercise promotes the expression of the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) https://t.co/tUkHP29kfa https://t.co/KHAAlKkCk8

Aug 21, 2019 · 1,159 followers View post →
Mass Migration
@BChinatti · X

Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate. https://t.co/K5xEYPnCtX

Aug 18, 2019 · 1 like · 1,208 followers View post →
Chuy Garza
@Chuygzaa · X

"Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate"(Sleiman 2016). What this basically means is that #exercise + #ketosis promotes the growth of new brain cells. Exercise and diet make you smarter!

Aug 6, 2019 · 1 like · 334 followers View post →
Vet Goed
@VetGoed · X

RT @jerryteixeira: Many prefer to not eat low carb, but you can still get the health benefits of ketone bodies through exercise without “ea…

Jul 20, 2019 · 3 shares · 386 followers View post →
Kate Dringman
@k8sdream · X

RT @jerryteixeira: Many prefer to not eat low carb, but you can still get the health benefits of ketone bodies through exercise without “ea…

Jul 19, 2019 · 3 shares · 608 followers View post →
Ana Cláudia
@Anawsantos · X

RT @jerryteixeira: Many prefer to not eat low carb, but you can still get the health benefits of ketone bodies through exercise without “ea…

Jul 18, 2019 · 3 shares · 362 followers View post →
JT | Jerry Teixeira
@jerryteixeira · X

Many prefer to not eat low carb, but you can still get the health benefits of ketone bodies through exercise without “eating keto” We know exercise has myriad health benefits How many come from exercise enduced ketone production? Here is one

Jul 18, 2019 · 20 likes · 3 shares · 79,383 followers View post →
alan
@alangarciaexe · X

https://t.co/OqzKJGrqrQ

Jun 18, 2019 · 212 followers View post →
Bayard T. Horton
@bayard_horton · X

#Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (#BDNF) through the action of the #ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate. https://t.co/FqHsabZINV https://t.co/xJG7CRxCcL

Jan 10, 2019 · 219 followers View post →