AMPK, insulin resistance, and the metabolic syndrome

J Clin Invest. 2013 Jul;123(7):2764-72. doi: 10.1172/JCI67227. Epub 2013 Jul 1.

Abstract

Insulin resistance (IR) and hyperinsulinemia are hallmarks of the metabolic syndrome, as are central adiposity, dyslipidemia, and a predisposition to type 2 diabetes, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and certain cancers. Regular exercise and calorie restriction have long been known to increase insulin sensitivity and decrease the prevalence of these disorders. The subsequent identification of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its activation by exercise and fuel deprivation have led to studies of the effects of AMPK on both IR and metabolic syndrome-related diseases. In this review, we evaluate this body of literature, with special emphasis on the hypothesis that dysregulation of AMPK is both a pathogenic factor for these disorders in humans and a target for their prevention and therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenylate Kinase / physiology*
  • Adipose Tissue / enzymology
  • Adipose Tissue / immunology
  • Animals
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
  • Enzyme Activators / metabolism
  • Enzyme Activators / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Insulin Resistance*
  • Macrophage Activation
  • Metabolic Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Metabolic Syndrome / enzymology*
  • Metabolic Syndrome / immunology
  • Obesity / enzymology
  • Obesity / immunology
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Sirtuin 1 / metabolism

Substances

  • Enzyme Activators
  • Adenylate Kinase
  • SIRT1 protein, human
  • Sirtuin 1