Research Article Details
Article ID: | A52345 |
PMID: | 28375880 |
Source: | Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care |
Title: | AMP-activated protein kinase, fatty acid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. |
Abstract: | PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Insulin resistance is an important risk factor for metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. A common characteristic of strategies that improve insulin sensitivity involves the activation of the energy sensing enzyme of the cell, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The purpose of this review is to explore the mechanisms associated with AMPK activation to improve insulin sensitivity with a focus on fatty acid metabolism. We will also discuss the literature surrounding direct AMPK activators to improve insulin resistance and important considerations for the design of direct AMPK activators. RECENT FINDINGS: AMPK activation can decrease de novo lipogenesis, increase fatty acid oxidation and promote mitochondrial integrity to improve insulin sensitivity. Drugs targeted to directly activate AMPK show therapeutic promise, yet in vivo data is lacking. SUMMARY: Designing a drug to directly activate AMPK may improve insulin resistance by reducing liver de novo lipogenesis and increasing brown and white adipose tissue mitochondrial function. However, in vivo experimental procedures to support this notion are not extensive and more research is required. |
DOI: | 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000380 |

Strategy ID | Therapy Strategy | Synonyms | Therapy Targets | Therapy Drugs | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
S01 | Improve insulin resistance | insulin sensitizer; insulin resistance; glucose tolerance | Biguanide: increases 5-AMP activated protein kinase signaling; SGLT-2 inhibitor; Thiazalidinedione: selective PPAR-γ agonists; GLP-1 agonist | Metformin; Empagliflozin; Canagliflozin; Rosiglitazone; Pioglitazone; Liraglutide | Details |
S07 | Anti-lipogenesis | de novo lipogenesis; de novo lipogenesis; DNL; anti-lipogenic mechanisms; adipogenesis; anti-obesity | stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD-1); Acetyl-coenzyme carboxylase; acyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitor (ACC inhibitor); stearoyl Coenzyme A desaturase inhibitor (SCD inhibitor); THR-beta selective agonist; DGAT2 inhibitor; FASN inhibitor | Aramchol; Firsocostat (GS-0976); VK-2809; ION 224 | Details |
Diseases ID | DO ID | Disease Name | Definition | Class | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
I05 | 9352 | Type 2 diabetes mellitus | A diabetes that is characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. A diabetes mellitus that is characterized by high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and relative lack of insulin. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes_mellitus_type_2 | disease of metabolism/inherited metabolic disorder/ carbohydrate metabolic disorder/glucose metabolism disease/diabetes/ diabetes mellitus | Details |