logBHB

LogBHB refers to the logarithm of the concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a ketone body produced during fatty acid oxidation and elevated in states such as fasting or ketosis. In research, BHB concentrations are typically measured in plasma or serum in millimoles per liter (mmol/L). LogBHB is obtained by applying a logarithm to the BHB value: logBHB = log10(BHB) or ln(BHB), depending on the analysis. The base of the logarithm must be specified, as results differ accordingly.

Rationale and use: Transforming BHB to a log scale can stabilize variance, reduce skewness, and improve linearity in statistical models. It is commonly used in metabolomics, physiology, and nutritional studies when BHB spans several orders of magnitude, such as in fasting, ketogenic diets, or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Interpretation: A higher logBHB implies a higher BHB concentration. For example, with base-10 logarithm, BHB of 0.1 mmol/L gives logBHB = -1, while 1.0 mmol/L gives logBHB = 0.0. Because many values are below 1 mmol/L, logBHB values are often negative. Zero values require handling (e.g., adding a small constant or using log1p).

Notes and limitations: Log transformation improves modeling in some contexts but can obscure direct biological interpretation. The term logBHB is not a universal standard; researchers define it within their methods. Assay methods for BHB measurement include enzymatic kits and mass spectrometry; data quality depends on sample handling and calibration.

See also: Beta-hydroxybutyrate, ketone bodies, metabolic biomarkers.