ABSTRACT
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key enzyme in the regulation of cellular energy homeostasis. Recent studies demonstrated that AMPK also plays an important role in the modulation of inflammation, an energy-intensive molecular response. The commonly used AMPK activators include 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR) and A-769662. In addition, the biological activities of metformin and adiponectin are closely related to activation of AMPK. Numerous studies have shown that these AMPK activators play an effectively protective role in animal models of acute lung injury, asthma, colitis, hepatitis, atherosclerosis and other inflammatory diseases. Therefore, AMPK activators may have promising potential for the prevention and treatment of inflammation related diseases.