Acadesine

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Acadesine structure

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Acadesine (also known as AICAR, 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is an adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator. It is a synthetic compound that has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects in various medical conditions, including ischemia, diabetes, and cancer.

Mechanism of Action

Acadesine works by mimicking the effects of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) in the body. It activates the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, which plays a crucial role in cellular energy homeostasis. Activation of AMPK leads to increased glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis, which can be beneficial in conditions characterized by impaired energy metabolism.

Medical Applications

Ischemia

Acadesine has been investigated for its potential to protect against ischemic injury, particularly in the context of myocardial infarction (heart attack). By activating AMPK, Acadesine can enhance the heart's ability to cope with reduced blood flow and oxygen supply, potentially reducing the extent of tissue damage.

Diabetes

In diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, Acadesine's ability to improve glucose uptake and enhance insulin sensitivity makes it a compound of interest. Studies have shown that Acadesine can help lower blood glucose levels and improve metabolic profiles in diabetic models.

Cancer

Acadesine has also been explored for its anti-cancer properties. By activating AMPK, it can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death). This makes it a potential candidate for cancer therapy, although more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety in this context.

Research and Development

Acadesine has undergone various stages of clinical trials, particularly for its cardioprotective effects during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. However, its development has faced challenges, and it is not currently approved for clinical use.

See Also

• AMP-activated protein kinase
• Ischemia
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Myocardial infarction
• Coronary artery bypass grafting

External Links

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