AMP ‐Activated Protein Kinase ( AMPK )

Abstract

AMPK (AMP‐activated protein kinase) is a protein kinase that acts as a sensor of cellular energy status by monitoring the levels of adenine nucleotides, especially adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate (ATP). When activated by falling cellular energy status, it acts to restore energy balance by switching on ATP‐producing catabolic pathways, while switching off any energy‐requiring processes (such as biosynthesis, cell growth and division) that are not essential for short‐term survival. AMPK is also regulated by hormones and cytokines that control energy balance at the whole body level.

The Effect of Statins on Type II Diabetes Mellitus

“…This pathway functions in cellular energy homeostasis. Consequently, in the presence of high blood glucose levels, HMG-CoA reductase is active, but its functionality is decreased through the homeostatic abilities of the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway occurring naturally [2].…”