AMPK: A Bridge between Inflammation and Metabolism

Hypercholesterolemia and low-grade inflammation are both basic factors that contribute to the genesis and progression of atherosclerosis. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is proposed to be a key regulator of cellular and organismal metabolism. Increased evidence shows that AMPK signaling can inhibit inflammatory responses. The macrophages play a diverse array of roles in atherogenesis, such as scavenge ring, immune modulation, and as a source of chemotactic molecules and cytokines. It has been considered that macrophages are central to all stages of atherosclerosis. AMPK lies at the crossroads of metabolically driven macrophage inflammation. In this review we propose to introduce the roles of AMPK and macrophage in the early stage of atherosclerosis. A comprehensive understanding in the role of AMPK between energy metabolism and inflammation in atherosclerosis may contribute to development of novel approaches in anti-atherosclerosis treatment.