AMPK orchestrates an elaborate cascade protecting tissue from fibrosis and aging

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Shuai Jiang1, Tian Li2, Zhi Yang2

  • 1Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China; Department of Aerospace Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, China.

Ageing Research Reviews
|July 16, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Fibrosis, a major cause of aging and organ damage, lacks effective treatments. This review explores how 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) can combat fibrogenesis, offering hope for new therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Science
  • Pathology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Fibrosis, excessive extracellular matrix accumulation, underlies aging and most organ diseases.
  • Current therapies for fibrosis are limited, posing a significant global health and economic burden.
  • 5 -AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) acts as an energy sensor with potential anti-fibrotic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the protective roles of AMPK in fibrogenesis.
  • To analyze AMPK's action in fibrosis across various organs (myocardial, hepatic, renal, pulmonary).
  • To discuss recent advances in AMPK regulation for fibrosis treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on AMPK and fibrosis.
  • Analysis of AMPK's involvement in different fibrotic phases and organs.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge for future drug development.

Main Results:

  • AMPK demonstrates protective effects against fibrogenesis.
  • AMPK's anti-fibrotic mechanisms are relevant across multiple organ systems.
  • Understanding AMPK regulation is key for developing novel anti-fibrotic therapies.

Conclusions:

  • AMPK plays a crucial role in mitigating fibrosis.
  • Targeting AMPK offers a promising therapeutic strategy for various fibrotic diseases.
  • This review provides insights for basic research and clinical drug design in fibrosis.
Keywords:
AMP-activated protein kinaseAgingExcessive extracellular matrixFibrogenesisFibrosisInflammation

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