Serum concentrations of acetoacetate and b-hydroxybutyrate increase dramatically after a 3-day fast primarily because of the increased rate of which of the following?

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During a 3-day fast, the liver increases fatty acid oxidation to produce ketone bodies, including acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate, as an alternative energy source. Fasting induces the release of fatty acids from adipose tissue triglycerides via the actions of glucagon. This signal is intended to provide the liver with the necessary energy to convert precursor carbon atoms into glucose. Prolonged fasting, such as a 3-day fast, will result in fatty acid oxidation in excess of the capacity of the liver to fully oxidize all the resulting acetyl-CoA. This will result in diversion of the acetyl-CoA into ketogenesis.

Serum Concentrations of Acetoacetate and B-Hydroxybutyrate Increase Dramatically After a 3-Day