How Brain Cell Energy Levels May Influence Energy-Regulating Proteins, Appetite Signals, and Eating Behavior

Low ATP levels in neuronal cells are associated with increased AgRP expression.

• Low glucose and ATP synthesis inhibition lead to higher phosphorylation of AMPK and increased expression of the neuropeptide AgRP.
• High ATP conditions, such as those created by high glucose, result in decreased AMPK phosphorylation and lower AgRP expression.
• Inhibition of AMPK activity reduces the AgRP expression induced by low-glucose or ATP-depleting conditions.
• High glucose concentrations in ex vivo hypothalamus cultures decrease both AMPK activity and the expression of AgRP and neuropeptide Y.
• Pyruvate supplementation suppresses AgRP expression induced by ATP depletion.
• In vivo, administering pyruvate delays food intake triggered by low-energy conditions.

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