Role of Phosphorylated AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) in Myocardial Insulin Resistance After Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion During Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery in Dogs.
Ghrelin enhances autophagy through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in different target organs to regulate lipid and glucose metabolism, the remodeling and protection of small intestine mucosa, protection against cardiac ischemia as well as higher brain functions such as learning and memory consolidation.
We suggest therefore that pharmacological inhibition of AMP deaminase before transient ischemic event such as during ischemic heart disease or cardiac surgery could provide therapeutic benefit.
Possession of the C34T mutation in AMP deaminase (AMPD1) gene has been shown to be associated with attenuation of the progression of heart failure and improved survival in ischemic heart disease.