Alpha-Ketoglutarate )AKG) is necessary for the break down of branched chain amino acids (BCAA). Torpid animals release a surge of succinate, pyruvate and AKG to increase their metabolic rate and body temperature as they emerge from torpor.
BCAA are elevated in human obesity and contribute to insulin resistance. Obese humans. hibernating mammals and rodents fattened on a high fat diet are low in AKG. Supplementing AKG in rats has been shown to return BCAA and insulin resistance to control levels.
Supplementing AKG in mice causes reduced weight gain and an increase in metabolic rate and body temperature.