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Role of AMPK in atherosclerosis via autophagy regulation

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Abstract

Atherosclerosis is characterized by the accumulation of lipids and deposition of fibrous elements in the vascular wall, which is the primary cause of cardiovascular diseases. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a metabolic sensor of energy metabolism that regulates multiple physiological processes, including lipid and glucose metabolism and the normalization of energy imbalances. Overwhelming evidence indicates that AMPK activation markedly attenuates atherosclerosis development. Autophagy inhibits cell apoptosis and inflammation and promotes cholesterol efflux and efferocytosis. Physiological autophagy is essential for maintaining normal cardiovascular function. Increasing evidence demonstrates that autophagy occurs in developing atherosclerotic plaques. Emerging evidence indicates that AMPK regulates autophagy via a downstream signaling pathway. The complex relationship between AMPK and autophagy has attracted the attention of many researchers because of this close relationship to atherosclerosis development. This review demonstrates the role of AMPK and autophagy in atherosclerosis. An improved understanding of this interrelationship will create novel preventive and therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81670401), the Natural Sciences Foundation of Hunan Province (2016JJ6133), the Scientific Research Innovation Program of Post-graduate in Hunan Province (CX2017B554), Zhengxiang Scholar (Xiangyang Tang) Program of the University of South China and The Construct Program of the Key Discipline in Hunan Province (Basic Medicine Sciences in University of South China).

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  1. Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China

    Hanxiao Ou, Chuhao Liu, Wenjie Feng, Xinwen Xiao, Shengsong Tang & Zhongcheng Mo

  2. Center for Life Science, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, 418000, China

    Shengsong Tang

  3. 2016 Grade Excellent Doctor Class of Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China

    Chuhao Liu

  4. 2015 Grade Medical Imaging Class of Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China

    Wenjie Feng & Xinwen Xiao

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  1. Hanxiao Ou
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Correspondence to Shengsong Tang or Zhongcheng Mo.

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Ou, H., Liu, C., Feng, W. et al. Role of AMPK in atherosclerosis via autophagy regulation. Sci. China Life Sci. 61, 1212–1221 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11427-017-9240-2

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