ABSTRACT
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is one of the most important sensor molecules which regulates biological energy homeostasis,activating the upstream kinase LKB1 and CaMKK beta and Tak1 and so on.AMP/ATP ratio can modulate AMPK activity,controlling the decomposition and synthesis pathway of energy metabolism,activating AMPK during skeletal muscle contraction and myocardial ischemia,adjusting metabolism of fat cells and blood vessel function,promoting glucose transport and fatty acid oxidation.With atherosclerosis,hypertension and other potential causes ruled out,diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an independent primary disease resulted from abnormal structure and function of myocardium induced by diabetes,and DCM even brings about death in patients.Due to its regulation of blood sugar levels,fatty acid oxidation and glycogen metabolism,AMPK may play a vital role in the process of DCM.Based on literature review,this paper summarizes the role of AMPK pathway in the process of DCM.