[AMPK: a novel target controlling inflammation]

Abstract

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a pivotal serine/threonine kinase participating in the regulation of glucose, lipid as well as protein metabolism and maintenance of energy homeostasis. Recent studies demonstrated that AMPK can also inhibit nuclear factor-κB, suppress the expression of inflammatory genes and attenuate inflammatory injury through phosphorylating its downstream targets including SIRT1, PGC-lα, p53 and FoxO3a. In addition, the widely used antidiabetic metformin also exerts its anti-inflammatory effects through activating AMPK. Therefore, AMPK is emerging as a promising novel target for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs. This review summarized the anti-inflammatory effects of AMPK and the underling molecular mechanisms.