Another example of AMPK axis targeting medications is AICAR (5-amino-4-imidazole carboxamide ribonucleoside), an AMP-mimetic and AMPK-regulating agent that is currently being investigated for the treatment of metabolic syndrome and as an ischemic preconditioning agent. Intravenous AICAR administration reduces hepatic glucose output, inhibits whole body lipolysis and lowers blood glucose concentrations in type 2 diabetic patients (Boon et al., 2008). Moreover, AICAR has a prominent effect on skeletal muscles, enhancing glucose uptake, training adaptation, and increasing endurance (Narkar et al., 2008). Finally, pre- and peri-operative AICAR infusion in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery reduces early cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and combined adverse cardiovascular outcomes (Mangano, 1997).