5′-AMP–Activated Protein Kinase–Activating Transcription Factor 1 Cascade Modulates Human Monocyte–Derived Macrophages to Atheroprotective Functions in Response to Heme or Metformin

Abstract

Our data indicate that heme activates the ATF1 pathway in human macrophages via AMPK, and that a similar response occurs after treatment of cells with metformin. Our results suggest an in vitro mechanism that may explain the clinical evidence that metformin has vascular protective effects beyond its role in treating hyperglycemia.