Figure 2. Schematic representation of RAS modulation following AMPK activation.

When the RAS is activated, the balance between the classical RAS arm (ACE/AngII/AT1R, red frame) and the protective arm (ACE2/Ang 1-7/MasR, green frame) is broken, thus the pathological changes of the body are induced and concentrated. At this situation, when the AMPK activator is given, the expression of ACE and AT1R are suppressed, while the expression of ACE2 and MasR are increased. At the same time, the up-regulated ACE2 increases the metabolism of AngII to Angl-7, thus activation of AMPK inhibits the classical RAS pathway, and elevation of the RAS protection arm, which keeps the RAS balance.