AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a major regulator of energy metabolism at both the cell and at
the whole body level. Numerous genetic and obesity models as well as human studies have suggested a
role for AMPK in the physiological regulation of fatty acid and glucose metabolism, and in the regulation
of appetite. Changes in AMPK activity have been reported in obesity, type 2 diabetes, the metabolic syn-drome and cardiovascular disease, which jointly represent a major health and economical problem
worldwide. Whether AMPK changes are one of the causes or the consequence of these pathological
conditions remains a matter of debate, but AMPK clearly represents a major potential pharmacological
target in the treatment of these conditions.