The role of AMP-activated protein kinase in obesity.

Abstract

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a major regulator of energy metabolism at both the cell and at the whole body level. Numerous genetic and obesity models as well as human studies have suggested a role for AMPK in the physiological regulation of fatty acid and glucose metabolism, and in the regulation of appetite. Changes in AMPK activity have been reported in obesity, type 2 diabetes, the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, which jointly represent a major health and economical problem worldwide. Whether AMPK changes are one of the causes or the consequence of these pathological conditions remains a matter of debate, but AMPK clearly represents a major potential pharmacological target in the treatment of these conditions.

• Authors: Blerina Kola, Ashley B Grossman, Márta Korbonits
• Journal: Frontiers of hormone research (Front Horm Res) Vol. 36 Pg. 198-211 ( 2008) ISSN: 0301-3073 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 18230904 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Multienzyme Complexes
• Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
• AMP-Activated Protein Kinases

Topics

• AMP-Activated Protein Kinases
• Adipose Tissue (metabolism)
• Animals
• Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental (physiopathology)
• Disease Models, Animal
• Energy Metabolism (physiology)
• Humans
• Hypothalamus (physiology)
• Islets of Langerhans (physiology)
• Liver (metabolism)
• Multienzyme Complexes (physiology)
• Muscle, Skeletal (metabolism)
• Obesity (physiopathology)
• Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases (physiology)