AMP-activated protein kinase and malonyl-CoA: Targets for treating insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance contributes to type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in muscle and liver increases fatty acid oxidation and diminishes the synthesis of malonyl-CoA, glycerolipids, ceramide and other molecules associated with insulin resistance. In experimental animals, decreases in AMPK activity and increases in malonyl-CoA are linked to insulin resistance and might be targets for its therapy. Whether this is true for humans remains to be determined.