AICARAlso known as: 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide, Acadesine

Mechanism of Action

AICAR is an AMP analog that activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key energy sensor in cells. Activation of AMPK leads to increased fatty acid oxidation, enhanced glucose uptake, inhibition of lipogenesis, and promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis. This activation mimics cellular effects similar to exercise by improving energy balance and metabolic function.

Reported Research Benefits

Commonly used in research for studying energy metabolism, endurance enhancement, insulin sensitivity, obesity, diabetes, mitochondrial function, and muscle metabolism. It is a tool compound to simulate exercise-like metabolic adaptations in preclinical models.

Dosing Protocol & Reconstitution

Typically provided as lyophilized powder to be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water. In preclinical research, AICAR is often administered via subcutaneous injection in animal models. Specific dosage depends on study design but generally follows validated preclinical protocols for metabolic and endurance studies.

Research Notes

Has been shown in various animal and in vitro studies to improve glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation. Proposed as an 'exercise mimetic' by inducing metabolic adaptations without physical activity. Half-life and pharmacokinetic details vary by species and formulation; generally studied in acute and chronic dosing models.

Research Summary

AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is a cell-permeable AMP kinase (AMPK) activator that mimics the metabolic effects of exercise. It upregulates fatty acid oxidation, improves insulin sensitivity, and enhances mitochondrial biogenesis. Animal studies demonstrated significant endurance improvements and fat loss even without exercise training.

Side Effects & Safety

May cause hypoglycemia due to AMPK-mediated glucose uptake. Potential for lactic acidosis at high doses. Cardiac arrhythmia risk reported in animal studies. Not approved for human use outside clinical trials.

Stability & Storage

Refer to research notes

Molecular Data

Molecular Formula: C9H15N4O8P
Molecular Weight: 361.22 g/mol
CAS Number: 2627-69-2
IUPAC Name: 5-Amino-1-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)imidazole-4-carboxamide 5′-monophosphate

Primary literature: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=AICAR+AMPK+exercise+endurance