LKB1/AMPK pathway mediates resistin-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in H9c2 embryonic rat cardiomyocytes

Resistin has been previously demonstrated to induce cardiac hypertrophy, however, the underlying molecular mechanisms of resistin-induced cardiac hypertrophy remain unclear. Using H9c2 cells, the present study investigated the liver kinase B1 (LKB1)/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway for a potential role in mediating resistin-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Treatment of H9c2 cells with resistin increased cell surface area, protein synthesis, and expression of hypertrophic marker brain natriuretic peptide and beta-myosin heavy chain. Treatment with metformine attenuated these effects of resistin. Furthermore, treatment with resistin decreased phosphorylation of LKB1 and AMPK, whereas pretreatment with metformin increased phosphorylation of LKB1 and AMPK that is reduced by resistin. These results suggest that resistin induces cardiac hypertrophy through the inactivation of the LKB1/AMPK cell signaling pathway.