AMPK is an energy sensor that, when activated in certain tissues, has many beneficial effects on our bodies. It stimulates the metabolism, improves insulin sensitivity, decreases inflammation, and improves muscle performance. AMPK is also involved in several longevity pathways and may promote healthy aging.<\/p>\n
AMPK<\/b> (5\u2032 AMP-activated protein kinase<\/a>) is an enzyme that plays a key role in energy balance<\/b>. All creatures from yeast to humans have this enzyme (R<\/a>).<\/p>\n AMPK can detect the level of energy (number of ATP molecules) in a cell and helps regulate responses when it gets too low or high<\/b>.<\/p>\n AMPK is produced in a number of tissues, including the liver, brain, fat cells and muscle (R<\/a>).<\/p>\n While much of AMPK activity is dependent on external factors such as diet and exercise<\/a> we all have a genetic disposition inherited from our parents<\/b>.<\/p>\n AMPK in the hypothalamus<\/a> senses our level of energy production in the body (in the form of ATP). It increases energy expenditure and can also increase appetite (when it is activated in the hypothalamus) (R<\/a>).<\/p>\n When cellular energy is low, AMPK is activated and targets a range of processes, the net response of which is an increase in energy production and a coordinated decrease in energy (ATP) usage (R<\/a>).<\/p>\n Hypothalamic AMPK increases appetite, increases glucose<\/a> production and uptake, reduces heat production, and decreases energy output (R<\/a>).<\/p>\n Glucose<\/a> is the main source of energy for the body and is particularly essential for normal brain activity. Hypoglycemia, a condition in which the blood glucose drops below normal levels, poses a great danger to the stability and functioning of the brain and therefore activates AMPK (R<\/a>).<\/p>\n Hypothalamic AMPK activation promotes glucose production from the liver<\/b> (R<\/a>) and glucose uptake into the muscles <\/b>(R<\/a>).<\/p>\n AMPK inhibits glucose storage (glycogen synthesis), resulting in more glucose being available for energy production (R<\/a>).<\/p>\n In various cells, AMPK stimulates the breakdown of glucose for energy (in the form of ATP)<\/b> (R<\/a>).<\/p>\n AMPK inhibits the production of fatty acids, cholesterol<\/a>, and triglycerides<\/a>, and instead stimulates the breakdown and burning of existing fat for energy (R<\/a>).<\/p>\n Protein production is a high-energy process that is inhibited during low energy states to conserve energy. Therefore, it is not surprising that AMPK inhibits protein production<\/b> (R<\/a>).<\/p>\n Inhibiting excessive protein production results in a much more energy-efficient and less wasteful cell.<\/p>\n Autophagy<\/a> is the process of recycling cellular components. This process promotes molecular and cell subunit quality control by degrading damaged or misfolded proteins and even damaged mitochondria<\/a> (R<\/a>).<\/p>\n Autophagy can contribute to energy generation by providing fuel for mitochondrial metabolism, and AMPK promotes this process<\/b> (R<\/a>).<\/p>\nHealth Effects of AMPK Activation<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
1) Increases Metabolism<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
2) Produces and Burns Sugars<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
3) Burns Fat<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
4) Inhibits Protein Production<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
5) Promotes Cellular Recycling (Autophagy)<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n