The enzyme 5'-adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of cellular energy metabolism, playing a protective role in cardiovascular remodeling and diseases. Here, 1,1-Diethoxyethane (1,1-DEE; Biosacetalin), a compound traditionally known as a flavoring agent in wine and distilled spirits, was identified as an AMPK activator. By analyzing AC16 cardiomyocytes with the Seahorse Mito Stress Test, we found that 1,1-DEE induced a transient inhibition of both mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis, resulting in reduced ATP production. This metabolic disturbance triggered AMPK activation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, leading to adaptive increases in the phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 2, which promotes fatty acid oxidation and glycolysis. AMPK activation also enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis by upregulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha and mitochondrial transcription factor A. These alterations led to a sustained increase in both mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis. Overall, our findings unravel the important physiological role of 1,1-DEE in energy homeostasis through AMPK activation and aerobic respiration. This mechanism may hold therapeutic potential for the prevention and treatment of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
Nguyen et al. (Tue,) studied this question.