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In this video, we present the relationship between the system of mTOR and that of AMPK. mTOR is the system in the human body that is concerned with cellular proliferation. It senses nutrient intake and activity and assembles the building blocks needed to cause cells to grow. That “growth” process includes the breakdown of raw materials that will be made into usable components needed in the growth stages. This growth process also includes signals throughout the body to “develop”; develop cells, blood supply, oxygen utilization, phosphorylation and enzymatic activity, etc. The mTOR system senses nutrient availability- the more nutrient it senses the more active the system.

 

AMPK is the bodies energy management system. It also is concerned with how much nutrient is available. AMPK is the abbreviated name for Adenosine Monophosphate Protein Kinase. AMPK is an enzyme that is responsible for interacting with Adenosine molecules. ATP- Adenosine TriPhosphate- is the energy currency of the human body. That is Adenosine with (3) Phosphate Ions attached. The fact that there are 3 Phosphate Ions causes the molecule to be energetically unstable. When AMPK causes one of the Phosphate Ions (or two Phosphate Ions in some cases) to release from the ATP molecule, energy is released in the process. This process takes place in the mitochondria of the cells and the released energy is used by the cells for their life and function. AMPK is our cells energy manager and the AMPK system is more active when there are lower amounts of nutrients available, the opposite of the mTOR system.

 

There is a balance taking place between AMPK and mTOR. The less nutrient that is available, the more AMPK is active to supply our cells with the energy we need to live and thrive. The more nutrient that is available, the less AMPK is active and the more mTOR is active to use the excess nutrients to force cellular proliferation and development. If a person is not physically active with their body seeking physical development, then an excess of nutrient intake forces mTOR induced development with poorly orchestrated energy management from AMPK. We end up with chronic inflammation, Obesity, metabolic syndrome, Cancer and heart disease, and other systemic breakdown. The Standard American Diet (SAD) strongly encourages mTOR stimulation and down regulates AMPK energy management. Chronic Non- Communicable Disease (NCD) is the result. These two systems must be in balance for a body to be in Healthful Homeostasis.

 

Presented by:

Healthways Foundation

http://www.healthwaysfoundation.org

 

in association with:

Lavish Life, LLC

http://www.livethelavishlife.com

 

Audio credit:

iStockphoto®, ©MulvadMusic, No Worries

iStockphoto®, ©deluxe-music, Let's Rock

iStockphoto®, ©BataLaki, Magic Life Stinger