AMPK-mediated cardioprotection of atorvastatin relates to the reduction of apoptosis and activation of autophagy in infarcted rat hearts.

Abstract

<0.05). The treatment also inhibited induction of pro-apoptotic protein Bax. AMPK inhibitor Compound C reversed these beneficial effects. In conclusion, ATV improves survival of cardiomyocytes and decreases alterations in morphology and function of infarcted hearts by inducing autophagy and inhibiting apoptosis through the activation of AMPK/mTOR pathway.