A cat’s kidney is much like an intricate machine, with many different gears and cogs operating together in harmony to create a well-polished system. One such ‘gear’ in this analogy is the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK plays a vital role in the body by regulating energy metabolism, thereby ensuring the body can function properly.
However, just as even the best machines are capable of overheating, excessive AMPK activation can prevent the kidneys and body from operating properly. Imbalanced AMPK activation can hinder the efficient use of energy, causing ripples that have negative repercussions on the body.
Risks of Excessive AMPK Activation
- Cell Damage
Excessive AMPK activation can cause cell damage, which can lead to a decrease in kidney functions. This ultimately increases the risk of the cat developing feline CKD. - Decreased Muscles
Excessive AMPK activation can end up inhibiting protein synthesis, leading to a decrease in muscle over a long period of time. This can be especially critical in aging cats or cats with CKD, who need to maintain their weight to keep their condition from deteriorating. - Lower Energy
Though AMPK activation plays a key role in energy regulation, excessive AMPK activation can actually disrupt the balance and make the body operate as if it is in a low energy state. This leads to symptoms such as fatigue and lethargy, and may even cause cellular damage if left untreated for too long. - Increased Inflammation
While regular AMPK activation can help regulate inflammation, excessive AMPK activation may contribute to kidney inflammation. As chronic inflammation is one of the leading causes of kidney damage, this may accelerate the progression of CKD in cats. - Hormone Imbalance
Excessive AMPK activation can disrupt hormonal balance in cats. This can lead to worsening kidney functions, causing metabolic disorders that threaten kidney health and lead to CKD.
How to Ensure Balanced AMPK Activation
Just as a well-oiled machine runs smoothly, cats also need proper maintenance to ensure that their parts - such as AMPK - are working properly. The key to ensuring proper kidney health in cats is through nutritional balance and proper AMPK activation. No matter how beneficial AMPK activation can be for cats, too much of a good thing can end up being bad for them. Thus, cat owners should do their best to prevent excessive AMPK activation by ensuring a harmonious balance of nutrients in their cats’ bodies.
Greycoat Research’s Intensive Protocol was designed to help prevent and manage CKD in cats. The supplement contains an optimal balance of nutrients, including resveratrol and quercetin, to ensure a balanced activation of AMPK in cats.
It can be difficult trying to understand how all kinds of different prescription medications and supplements interact with one another. If you’re worried about how and when to provide your cat with the medications and supplements they need, please feel free to reach out to us at Greycoat Research for a free consultation.
