Expression, clinicopathological significance, and prognostic potential of AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and TFAM in astrocytomas

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a sensor of energy status that maintains cellular energy homeostasis. Activation of AMPK enhances the expression of proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC1-alpha) and subsequently activates mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) to regulate mitochondrial oxidative respiratory function. The possible functions of AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1 alpha, and TFAM and their interactions in astrocytomas are not known. Here, the levels, clinicopathological characteristics, and prognostic potential of AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1 alpha, and TFAM expression levels in astrocytomas were evaluated. The results showed that levels of AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1 alpha, and TFAM expression was increased in astrocytomas. Strong correlations were observed between AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1 alpha, and TFAM expression in patients with astrocytomas. The analysis indicated that the levels of AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1 alpha, and TFAM were associated with the survival. AMPK levels, tumor grade, and age were independent prognostic factors predicting poor outcomes in patients with astrocytoma. Together, these results indicate that these 4 targets may play a crucial role in the progression and prognosis of human astrocytomas and that AMPK may represent a potential therapeutic target.