AMPK: A Bridge between Inflammation and Metabolism - Abstract
Hypercholesterolemia and low-grade inflammation are both basic factors that
contribute to the genesis and progression of atherosclerosis. AMP-activated protein
kinase (AMPK) is proposed to be a key regulator of cellular and organismal metabolism.
Increased evidence shows that AMPK signaling can inhibit inflammatory responses. The
macrophages play a diverse array of roles in atherogenesis, such as scavenge ring,
immune modulation, and as a source of chemotactic molecules and cytokines. It has
been considered that macrophages are central to all stages of atherosclerosis. AMPK
lies at the crossroads of metabolically driven macrophage inflammation. In this review
we propose to introduce the roles of AMPK and macrophage in the early stage of
atherosclerosis. A comprehensive understanding in the role of AMPK between energy
metabolism and inflammation in atherosclerosis may contribute to development of
novel approaches in anti-atherosclerosis treatment.