AMP-activated protein kinase: a therapeutic target in intestinal diseases

Abstract

Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a highly conserved energy sensor, has a crucial role in cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases, as well as in cancer and metabolic disorders. Accumulating studies have demonstrated that AMPK activation enhances paracellular junctions, nutrient transporters, autophagy and apoptosis, and suppresses inflammation and carcinogenesis in the intestine, indicating an essential role of AMPK in intestinal health. AMPK inactivation is an aetiological factor in intestinal dysfunctions. This review summarizes the favourable outcomes of AMPK activation on intestinal health, and discusses AMPK as a potential therapeutic target for intestinal diseases.

Ethoxysanguinarine, a Novel Direct Activator of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase, Induces Autophagy and Exhibits Therapeutic Potential in Breast Cancer Cells

“…Furthermore, the Bio-Eth/streptavidin-agarose pull-down experiment demonstrated the direct interaction of Eth/AMPK ( Figures 4G-L). AMPK acts as tumor suppressor to inhibit carcinogenesis, and promote apoptosis (Sun and Zhu, 2017). We showed that in 75/143 (52%) BCs, pAMPK was lower in tumor samples than in normal breast tissues ( Figures 5C, D).…”

Purple Potato Extract Promotes Intestinal Epithelial Differentiation and Barrier Function by Activating AMP‐Activated Protein Kinase

“…Tight junctions are developed during intestinal stem cells differentiating into epithelial cells . Nutraceutical factors or therapeutic strategies that enhance intestinal epithelial differentiation can improve gut epithelial barrier function and health …”

“…[7] Nutraceutical factors or therapeutic strategies that enhance intestinal epithelial differentiation can improve gut epithelial barrier function and health. [8] Accumulating evidence supports the beneficial effects of dietary polyphenols in preventing leaky gut. [9,10] Dietary intake of polyphenol-rich food, such as green tea, grapes, and berries, strengthens intestinal barrier integrity and the formation of tight junctions [11] in an energy-dependent manner.…”

Phytochemicals and Gastrointestinal Cancer: Cellular Mechanisms and Effects to Change Cancer Progression

“…Adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a multiple beneficial role in gut health; it improves barrier function and intestinal absorption, suppresses colorectal carcinogenesis, and reduces intestinal inflammation [41]. The deactivation level of AMPK pathways reduces during GI cancer and as a result enhances tumor progression and reduces apoptotic pathway activation [42]. Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways reduce during GI cancer, potentially leading to enhanced cell cycle progression, oxidative stress, and cellular proliferation [43,44].…”