title: AMP-activated Protein Kinase (AMPK): Does This Master Regulator of Cellular Energy State Distinguish Insulin Sensitive from Insulin Resistant Obesity?
abstract: Although a correlation exists between obesity and insulin resistance, roughly 25 % of obese individuals are insulin sensitive. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a cellular energy sensor that among its many actions, integrates diverse physiological signals to restore energy balance. In addition, in many situations it also increases insulin sensitivity. In this context, AMPK activity is decreased in very obese individuals undergoing bariatric surgery who are insulin resistant compared to equally obese patients who are insulin sensitive. In this review, we will both explore what distinguishes these individuals, and evaluate the evidence that diminished AMPK is associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome-associated disorders in other circumstances.
authors.affiliation: Diabetes and Metabolism Unit, Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Boston University Medical Center, 650 Albany Street, Room 820, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
authors.forename: X Julia
authors.initials: XJ
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.affiliation: Diabetes and Metabolism Unit, Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Boston University Medical Center, 650 Albany Street, Room 820, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
authors.forename: Rudy J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Valentine
authors.affiliation: Diabetes and Metabolism Unit, Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Boston University Medical Center, 650 Albany Street, Room 820, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
authors.forename: Neil B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Ruderman
keywords: AMPK; Bariatric surgery; Fetuin-A; Insulin resistant; Insulin sensitive; Obesity