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HERO ID
1573719
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Amp-activated protein kinase activation as a strategy for protecting vascular endothelial function
Author(s)
Zou, MHui; Wu, Y
Year
2008
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology
ISSN:
0305-1870
EISSN:
1440-1681
Volume
35
Issue
5-6
Page Numbers
535-545
PMID
18177481
DOI
10.1111/j.1440-1681.2007.04851.x
Web of Science Id
WOS:000254640600001
Abstract
1. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a serine/threonine protein kinase involved in the regulation of cellular and organismal metabolism. AMPK has a heterotrimeric structure, consisting of a catalytic alpha-subunit and regulatory beta- and gamma-subunits, each of which has two or more isoforms that are differentially expressed in various tissues and that arise from distinct genes. The AMPK system acts as a sensor of cellular energy status that is conserved in all eukaryotic cells. In addition, AMPK is activated by physiological stimuli and oxidants. 2. The importance of AMPK in cardiovascular functions is best demonstrated by recent studies showing that widely used drugs, including statins, metformin and rosiglitazone, execute cardiovascular protective effects at least partly through the activation of AMPK. As a consequence, AMPK has been proposed as a candidate target for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of both Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome owing to its central role in the regulation of energy balance; it may also have a role in weight control. 3. In the present brief review, we summarize the recent progress of AMPK signalling and regulation focusing on vascular endothelial cells. We further hypothesize that AMPK is a dual sensor for energy and redox status within a cell and AMPK may be a therapeutic target for protecting vascular endothelial function.
Keywords
AMP-activated kinase; atherosclerosis; diabetes mellitus; endothelium; energy metabolism; hypertension; nitric oxide; oxidative stress; peroxynitrite; superoxide anions
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