AMPK and the biochemistry of exercise: implications for human health and disease

Erik A. Richter, Neil B. Ruderman

    Research output: Contribution to journalReviewResearchpeer-review

    382 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) is a phylogenetically conserved fuel-sensing enzyme that is present in all mammalian cells. During exercise, it is activated in skeletal muscle in humans, and at least in rodents, also in adipose tissue, liver and perhaps other organs by events that increase the AMP/ATP ratio. When activated, AMPK stimulates energy-generating processes such as glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation and decreases energy-consuming processes such as protein and lipid synthesis. Exercise is perhaps the most powerful physiological activator of AMPK and a unique model for studying its many physiological roles. In addition, it improves the metabolic status of rodents with a metabolic syndrome phenotype, as does treatment with AMPK-activating agents; it is therefore tempting to attribute the therapeutic benefits of regular physical activity to activation of AMPK. Here we review the acute and chronic effects of exercise on AMPK activity in skeletal muscle and other tissues. We also discuss the potential role of AMPK activation in mediating the prevention and treatment by exercise of specific disorders associated with the metabolic syndrome, including Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalBiochemical Journal
    Volume418
    Issue number2
    Pages (from-to)261-275
    Number of pages15
    ISSN0264-6021
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2009

    Bibliographical note

    Keywords: AMP-Activated Protein Kinases; Animals; Biological Markers; Disease; Exercise; Health; Humans; Models, Biological; Motor Activity; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Skeletal; Time Factors

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