AMPK Regulates M1 Macrophage Polarization through the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway to Attenuate Airway Inflammation in Obesity-Related Asthma

Abstract

Abstract—Obesity-related asthma is primarily characterized by nonallergic inflammation, with pathogenesis involving oxidative stress, metabolic imbalance, and immunoinflammatory mechanisms. M1 macrophages, which predominantly secrete pro-inflammatory factors, mediate insulin resistance and systemic metabolic inflammation in obese individuals. Concurrently, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) serves as a critical regulator of intracellular energy metabolism and is closely associated with macrophage activation. However, their specific roles and associated mechanisms in obesity-related asthma remain to be explored. In this study, we investigated the macrophage polarization status and potential interventional mechanisms through obesity-related asthmatic models and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -treated RAW264.7 cell with a comprehensive series of evaluations, including HE, PAS and Masson staining of lung histopathology, immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescence technology, qRT-PCR, Western Blot, and ELISA inflammatory factor analysis. The results revealed M1 macrophage polarization in obesity-related asthmatic lung tissue alongside downregulation of AMPK expression. Under LPS stimulation, exogenous AMPK activation attenuated M1 macrophage polarization via the Janus kinase 2/ signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway. Additionally, in obesity-related asthmatic mice, AMPK activation was found to alleviate airway inflammation by regulating M1 macrophage polarization, the mechanism closely associated with the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. These findings not only advance our understanding of macrophage polarization in obesity-related asthma, but also provide new therapeutic targets for its treatment.