Constitutive activation of AMPK α1 in vascular endothelium promotes high-fat diet-induced fatty liver injury: role of COX-2 induction.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an important regulator of energy metabolism, comprises three (α, β and γ) subunits, each with a unique tissue distribution. As AMPK has a wide range of protein and gene targets, defining its role has been difficult. Here, we have studied a transgenic mouse model overexpressing the constitutively active α1 subunit of AMPK in endothelial cells (EC-AMPK) to elucidate its role in energy homeostasis.

Experimental approach

Wild-type and EC-AMPK mice were fed with a high fat diet for 16 weeks. Drugs (or vehicles) were given daily by oral gavage. Body weight, fat mass composition, glucose and lipid levels were monitored regularly. Tissues including aortae and liver were collected for quantitative RT-PCR, Western blotting, e

SUBMITTER: Liang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3904267 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature