AMPK-Mediated Multi-Organ Protective Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Review AMPK-Mediated Multi-Organ Protective Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Xin Wang 1 and Linxi Wang 2,* 1 Emergency Department, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China 2 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fujian Institute of Endocrinology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China * Correspondence: dr.linxi.wang@foxmail.com Received: 11 October 2024; Revised: 23 October 2024; Accepted: 20 December 2024; Published: 9 January 2025 Abstract: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key enzyme broadly involved in regulating cellular metabolism, often called an “energy sensor”. Activated AMPK promotes ATP production and storage within cells, primarily by inhibiting ATP-consuming anabolic processes (such as protein, lipid, and ribosomal synthesis) and initiating ATP-producing catabolic pathways (such as fatty acid oxidation and glycolysis) to maintain energy homeostasis. AMPK regulates metabolic processes in various peripheral tissues, including glucose and lipid metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, and fatty acid and protein metabolism in pancreatic β-cells, the cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, skeletal muscles, and the central nervous system. As an antidiabetic drug, the multi-organ protective effects of Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) are increasingly being recognized. This paper reviews the mechanisms by which GLP-1RA confers organ protection via the AMPK signaling pathway.