Vascular AMPK as an attractive target in the treatment of vascular complications of obesity

The key for the survival of all organisms is the regulation and control of energy metabolism. Thus, several strategies have evolved in each tissue in order to balance nutrient supply with energy demand. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is now recognized as a key participant in energy metabolism. It ensures an appropriate energetic supply by promoting energy conserving pathways in detriment of anabolic processes not essential for cell survival. Vascular AMPK plays a critical role in the regulation of blood flow and vascular tone through several mechanisms, including vasodilation by stimulating nitric oxide release in endothelial cells. Since obesity leads to endothelial damage and AMPK dysregulation, AMPK activation might be an important strategy to restore vascular function in cardiometabolic alterations. In the present review we focus on the role of vascular AMPK in both endothelial and smooth muscle cells, paying special attention to its dysregulation in obesity- and high-fat diet-related complications, as well as to the mechanisms and benefits of vascular AMPK activation.

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