AMPK in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus: A key regulator for thermogenesis

Authors: LIU, HAILAN - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC); XU, YONG - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC); HU, FANG - Central South University

Submitted to: Frontiers in Endocrinology
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/24/2020
Publication Date: 9/23/2020
Citation: Liu, H., Xu, Y., Hu, F. 2020. AMPK in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus: A key regulator for thermogenesis. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 11. Article 578830. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2020.578830.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2020.578830

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Obesity has become a global health issue, but effective therapies remain very limited. Adaptive thermogenesis promotes weight loss by dissipating energy in the form of heat, thereby representing a promising target to counteract obesity. Notably, the regulation of thermogenesis is tightly orchestrated by complex neuronal networks, especially those in the hypothalamus. Recent evidence highlights the importance of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) within the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) in modulating thermogenesis. Various molecules, such as GLP-1, leptin, estradiol, and thyroid hormones, have been reported to act on the VMH to inhibit AMPK, which subsequently increases thermogenesis through the activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). In this review, we summarize the critical role of AMPK within the VMH in the control of energy balance, focusing on its contribution to thermogenesis and the associated mechanisms.