The AMP-activated protein kinase: role in regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

Over the past decade, an epidemic of obesity has developed throughout the Western World. In recent years, significant interest has focused on the role of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes and is such the focus of this review. Specifically, the potential role of AMPK in skeletal muscle metabolism as it relates to the insulin sensitizing effects of exercise …