AMPK plays a central role in hepatic energy regulation. Experimental diabetes alters this pathway, contributing to metabolic disturbances. This study evaluates hepatic AMPK1/2 expression and the inhibitory effect of dorsomorphin in diabetic rats. Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into four groups (controls, controls + dorsomorphin, diabetics, diabetics + dorsomorphin) and followed for 14 days. Metabolic, hepatic and hormonal parameters were measured, and AMPK1/2 expression was analysed by RT-qPCR.

Diabetes induced hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, decreased insulin levels and elevated transaminases. AMPK1 and AMPK2 were overexpressed in diabetic rats, whereas dorsomorphin markedly reduced their expression. Specific correlations were observed between AMPK1/2 and metabolic and hepatic parameters. Activation of AMPK1/2 appears to be an adaptive mechanism to diabetic energy imbalance. Their inhibition by dorsomorphin disrupts this response and reveals potential hepatotoxicity. AMPK remains a key target for the modulation of hepatic function in diabetes.