Researchers from SQU have investigated how beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a ketone body, affects cellular responses to bisphenol A (BPA) in ovarian cancer cells. The study was conducted by Dr Hussein Sakr, Dr Amira Al Kharusi, Fatma Mohamed Fouad, and Dr Srinivasa Rao Sirasanagandla.

BPA is a chemical widely used in commercial products such as plastics, food containers and coating materials. Dietary intake is the main route of human exposure. Although exposure can also occur through air, dust and water, food and beverages are considered the predominant sources of daily intake. BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that can interact with oestrogen receptors and influence hormone-related cellular processes. Research has also linked BPA exposure with changes in cancer-related processes, including cell growth, migration and signalling pathways in some cancer cells.

The ketogenic diet is characterised by high fat, moderate protein and very low carbohydrate intake, which promotes the production of ketone bodies, particularly BHB. BHB is also produced naturally during changes in energy metabolism, such as periods of reduced glucose availability. It serves as an alternative energy source for cells and has been investigated for its effects on cancer cell metabolism and signalling. However, its influence on BPA-related responses in ovarian cancer cells had not previously been studied.

Published in Current Issues in Molecular Biology in 2026, the study used SKOV-3 human ovarian cancer cells. The researchers examined the effects of BPA and BHB with and without glucose. BPA was tested at 1 µM, while BHB was tested at 5 and 20 mM, with 5 mM used for the combination experiments.

The researchers found that BPA increased the viability of SKOV-3 cells and enhanced their ability to close a wound created in the cell layer, a laboratory measure of cell migration. In contrast, BHB alone reduced cell viability. When BHB was combined with BPA, it reduced the BPA-associated increase in wound closure, both in the presence and absence of glucose. The combination also changed the activity of genes involved in oestrogen signalling, cell survival, apoptosis and cell movement. The combined treatment produced different cellular responses depending on metabolic conditions, particularly glucose availability. Bioinformatics analysis further identified potential molecular targets shared by BPA, BHB and ovarian cancer, suggesting possible directions for future research.

The findings provide laboratory evidence that BHB can modify some cellular responses associated with BPA exposure in ovarian cancer cells. However, the study used a single ovarian cancer cell line, and further laboratory and animal studies are needed to determine whether the findings apply beyond this experimental model. Importantly, the study does not show that BHB or a ketogenic diet can prevent or treat ovarian cancer.

Publication: Sakr H, Al Kharusi A, Fouad FM, Sirasanagandla SR. β-Hydroxybutyrate Attenuates Bisphenol-A-Induced Cellular Responses in Ovarian Cancer Cells. Current Issues in Molecular Biology. 2026;48(10):995. doi:10.3390/cimb48100995.