Aicar (10 x vials)
CA$150.00
AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside) is a compound known for its ability to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a critical enzyme involved in cellular energy homeostasis. Here are the primary uses of AICAR:
Uses of AICAR
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Cardioprotection:
- Myocardial Ischemia: AICAR has been used clinically to treat and protect against myocardial ischemic injury during surgeries such as coronary artery bypass grafting. It helps in reducing the extent of damage by enhancing energy production and reducing oxidative stress in cardiac cells (U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA)) (Frontiers).
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Metabolic Health:
- Diabetes Management: AICAR improves insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, making it beneficial in managing type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Long-term administration of AICAR has shown to upregulate mitochondrial enzymes and decrease intra-abdominal fat, contributing to better metabolic health (DrugBank) (Diabetes Journals).
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Research in Sports and Endurance:
- Performance Enhancement: AICAR is used in research settings to study its effects on endurance and performance. It is known to enhance metabolic pathways that favor increased energy expenditure and endurance, making it of interest in the context of athletic performance (U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA)) (Cell Signaling Technology).
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Potential Therapeutic Uses:
- Pancreatitis-Associated Liver Injury (PALI): Research has shown that AICAR can ameliorate liver injury associated with acute pancreatitis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation through the activation of AMPK and Nrf2 pathways (Frontiers).
Mechanism of Action
AICAR enters cells and is converted to ZMP (AICAR monophosphate), which mimics AMP, thus activating AMPK. This activation leads to several downstream effects, including enhanced glucose uptake, increased fatty acid oxidation, and improved mitochondrial function. These effects collectively contribute to improved energy balance and metabolic health (DrugBank) (Cell Signaling Technology).