Investigation on the mechanism of Qiangxinhuoli prescription in the treatment of chronic heart failure based on p38-MAPK signaling pathway

Background:The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism of action underlying the therapeutic effects of the national patent Chinese medicine compound“Qiangxinhuoli prescription(QXHLF)”on chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:In vitro,the H_(9)C_(2) cell model was induced by ANGII,and cell proliferation and related protein expression were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 and Western blot.In vivo,A rat model of CHF was prepared by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery.The effects of QXHLF on cardiac function in CHF rats were evaluated by cardiac index,hemodynamic changes,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,hematoxylin-eosin staining,immunohistochemistry,Western blot and RT-PCR.The expression of pro-apoptotic factors and anti-apoptotic factors,as well as TGFβ1,p-p38,TAK 1 mRNA,and protein,were detected.Results:In vitro,QXHLF has a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of H_(9)C_(2) cells.QXHLF can reduce the expression levels of TAK 1,TGFβ1,p-p38,Caspase3 and BAX proteins in H_(9)C_(2) cells,and increase the expression level of BCL_(2) protein.In vivo,QXHLF has the potential to increase left ventricular systolic pressure,m aximum rate of change in left ventricular pressure while decreasing left ventricular end diastolic pressure,and inhibiting the serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide.Moreover,QXHLF exhibits significant improvements in the pathological alterations of myocardial cells and fibers in CHF rats,leading to enhanced myocardial tissue morphology and notable advantages in combating myocardial fibrosis.QXHLF can reduce the levels of BAX and Caspase3 and up-regulate the expression of BCL_(2),thereby inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis.Furthermore,QXHLF demonstrates inhibitory effects on the mRNA and protein expression levels of TGFβ_(1),TAK_(1),and p-p38 in the heart tissue of the CHF rat model.Conclusion:These findings indicate that QXHLF has a therapeutic effect on CHF by inhibiting the p38-MAPK signaling pathway,reducing myocardial fibrosis,preventing apoptosis,inhibiting cell proliferation,and restoring myocardial injury.

叶酸通过JNK/p38 MAPK信号通路调节小鼠C2C12成肌细胞分化

目的:观察叶酸(folic acid,FA)对小鼠C2C12成肌细胞增殖和分化的影响并探讨其作用机制。方法:(1)在小鼠C2C12成肌细胞增殖阶段,采用不同浓度(0、2.5、5、10和20μmol/L)的FA处理C2C12细胞,显微镜下观察各组细胞的状态,MTT法检测细胞活力,EdU法检测细胞增殖情况。(2)在小鼠C2C12成肌细胞分化阶段,将细胞分为对照(control,Ctrl)组(0μmol/L FA)和FA组(10μmol/L FA),于分化的第2天和第4天,采用免疫荧光染色和Western blot检测成肌细胞分化相关蛋白成肌细胞决定蛋白1(myoblast determination protein 1,MyoD)、成肌蛋白(myogenin,MyoG)和肌球蛋白重链(myosin heavy chain,MyHC)的表达水平,并统计各组细胞肌管形成情况。(3)在小鼠C2C12成肌细胞分化第4天时,加入FA处理0、1、3和6 h,采用Western blot检测各时点c-Jun氨基末端激酶(c-Jun N-terminal kinase,JNK)、磷酸化JNK(phosphorylated JNK,p-JNK)、p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(mitogen-activated protein kinase,MAPK)和磷酸化p38 MAPK(phosphorylated p38 MAPK,p-p38 MAPK)蛋白水平。(4)将分化4 d的小鼠C2C12成肌细胞分为Ctrl组、FA组、SP600125(JNK特异性抑制剂)组、SB2035805(p38 MAPK特异性抑制剂)组、FA+SP600125组和FA+SB203580组。C2C12成肌细胞先接受10μmol/L的SP600125或SB203580处理1 h,再经10μmol/L的FA处理24 h,FA组经10μmol/L FA处理24 h,Ctrl组不作处理。采用Western blot检测p-JNK、JNK、p-p38 MAPK、p38 MAPK和MyHC蛋白水平。结果:(1)与0μmol/L FA组相比,其余各浓度组的细胞数量明显增多,细胞活力显著提高(P<0.05),EdU阳性细胞率均显著增加(P<0.05)。(2)与Ctrl组相比,FA组MyoD、MyoG和MyHC的表达水平均显著提高(P<0.05),肌管融合指数显著增加(P<0.05或P<0.01)。(3)与0 h组相比,FA处理1、3和6 h后p-JNK/JNK和p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK的比值均显著升高(P<0.05或P<0.01),且随着处理时间的延长,p-JNK/JNK和p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK的比值呈现逐渐升高的趋势。(4)与Ctrl组相比,FA组p-JNK、p-p38 MAPK和MyHC蛋白水平显著升高(P<0.01);与FA组相比,FA+SP600125组p-JNK和MyHC蛋白水平显著降低(P<0.05),FA+SB203580组p-p38 MAPK和MyHC蛋白水平显著降低(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论:FA可以通过激活JNK/p38 MAPK信号通路促进小鼠C2C12成肌细胞分化。

基于JNK/p38 MAPK信号通路探讨黄芪对阿尔茨海默病大鼠认知功能的影响

目的:基于JNK/p38 MAPK信号通路探讨黄芪对阿尔茨海默病大鼠认知功能的影响。方法:将60只Wistar大鼠作为本研究对象,以其中的15只列为对照组,剩余大鼠分为模型组(15只)、西药治疗组(15只)、黄芪治疗组(15只),各予以0.9%NaCl用药处理、盐酸多奈哌齐治疗、黄芪甲苷治疗。对比四组大鼠各方面的变化情况。结果:对照组JNK、p38 MAPK表达量均低于其余三组,且黄芪治疗组JNK、p38 MAPK表达量均低于模型组和西药治疗组,差异具有显著性(P<0.05);对照组各炎性因子水平均低于其余三组,且黄芪治疗组各炎性因子水平均低于模型组和西药治疗组(P<0.05);对照组Morris水迷宫实验第2、3、4d的结果均优于其他三组,且黄芪治疗组Morris水迷宫实验第2、3、4d的结果均优于模型组和西药治疗组,差异具有显著性(P<0.05);对照组新物体识别(NOR)实验中的测试期总探索时间均短于其他三组,新物体偏爱指数均高于其他三组;且黄芪治疗组新物体识别(NOR)实验中的测试期总探索实践均短于模型组和西药治疗组,新物体偏爱指数均高于模型组和西药治疗组,差异具有显著性(P<0.05)。结论:黄芪治疗对于改善阿尔茨海默大鼠的认知功能具有优势,其药物作用机制与JNK/p38 MAPK信号通路存在一定联系。

To investigate the effects of butylphthalide on reducing neuronal apoptosis in rats with cerebral infarction by inhibiting the JNK/P38 MAPK signaling pathway

Objective:To investigate the effects of butylphthalide on reducing neuronal apoptosis in rats with cerebral infarction by inhibiting the JNK/P38 MAPK signaling pathway.Methods:Forty-eight SD male rats were divided into DZ group(control group),CI group(model group)and NBP group(butylphthalide group).Rats in CI group and NBP group were used to establish cerebral infarction models.NBP group used NBP.The solution(80 mg/(kg?d))was administered orally,and the remaining two groups were administered with the same volume of peanut oil.After 14 consecutive days of treatment,the Zea Longa score was used to evaluate the neurological function of DZ,CI and NBP rats.Scoring,TTC staining was used to observe the cerebral infarction volume of rats in DZ group,CI group and NBP group,HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of brain tissue in DZ group,CI group and NBP group.Neuronal apoptosis,Western blot was used to detect the expression of p-JNK and p-p38MAPK in brain tissues of DZ group,CI group and NBP group.Results:The neurological function of the rats in the CI group was higher than that in the DZ group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The neurological function score of the rats in the NBP group was reduced compared with the CI group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The cerebral infarction volume in the group was 35.56%higher than that in the DZ group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The minor infarct volume in the NBP group was 21.59%,which was less than that in the CI group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Nerve cells are neatly sorted,with a large number.The gap between blood vessels and interstitial tissue in the CI group is enlarged,the cells are severely contracted,and the neuron structure is incomplete.Compared with the CI group,the NBP group has reduced neuron contraction and increased number;The dead nerve cells were brown.The apoptosis rate of nerve cells in the CI group was 79.65%higher than that in the DZ group was 5.82%.The difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The nerve cell apoptosis rate in the NBP group was 30.23%.Compared with CI group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);Western blot results showed that p-JNK and p-p38MAPK protein expression in CI group was higher than that in DZ group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The levels of p-JNK and p-p38MAPK proteins in the NBP group were lower than those in the CI group.There was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Butylphthalide can improve neurological damage,reduce apoptotic nerve cells,and reduce infarct volume in rats with cerebral infarction,which is related to the inhibition of JNK/P38 MAPK pathway expression.

The Antidepressant Mechanism of JiaWeiWenDan Decoction Regulating p38MAPK-ERK5 Signal Transduction Pathway

Objective: To investigate the anti-depression mechanism of JiaWeiWenDan Decoction in regulating p38MAPK-ERK5 signal transduction pathway. Methods: Depression model rats were randomly divided into Blank Control Group, Model Control Group, Chinese Medicine Treatment Group, and Western Medicine Treatment Group (hereinafter referred to as Blank Group, Model Group, Chinese Medicine Group, and Western Medicine Group), with 48 rats in each group. The mice were treated with p38MAPK-ERK5 on the 7th day, 14th day and 21st day, respectively, and the mice were treated for 28 days. The key targets and cytokines in p38MAPK-ERK5 signal transduction pathway were detected. Results: Compared with the Blank Group, the expression of p38MAPKmRNA in the hippocampus of the Model Group was increased. The Chinese Medicine Group and Western Medicine Group could reduce the expression of p38MAPK mRNA (P P P P Conclusion: The anti-inflammatory effect of JiaWeiWenDan Decoction may be related to the regulation of p38MAPK-ERK5 signaling pathway. With the advance of the treatment week, the best effect was obtained when the treatment was started on the 7th day of modeling.

杨桃根DMDD调控JNK/P38MAPK通路抑制2型糖尿病合并非酒精性脂肪肝小鼠肝脏内质网应激

目的:探讨杨桃根2-十二烷基-6-甲氧基-2,5-二烯-1,4-环己二酮(DMDD)通过调控JNK/P38MAPK抑制2型糖尿病(T2DM)合并非酒精性脂肪肝(NAFLD)小鼠内质网应激的机制。方法:将C57BL/6J小鼠分为正常组、模型组、4-苯基丁酸(4-PBA)组、衣霉素(TM)组及DMDD高、中、低剂量组(DMDD_(H)组、DMDD_(M)组、DMDD_(L)组)。连续予高脂饲料喂养4周后,再一次性腹腔注射链脲佐菌素(STZ)建立T2DM合并NAFLD小鼠模型。连续给药8周后检测小鼠空腹血糖水平及肝组织丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)和血脂水平。采用苏木精—伊红(HE)染色、油红O染色观察肝组织病理学改变,western blotting法检测肝组织grp78、Chop、JNK、磷酸化(P)-JNK、P38MAPK、P-P38MAPK、Bcl-2和Bax蛋白表达。结果:与模型组相比,DMDD各剂量组空腹血糖、ALT、AST、总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)水平降低,高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)水平增高(P<0.05),肝组织病理损伤减轻,grp78、Chop、P-JNK、Bax和P-P38MAPK蛋白表达水平降低,Bcl-2蛋白表达水平升高(均P<0.05)。结论:杨桃根DMDD可能通过抑制JNK/P38MAPK通路减轻T2DM合并NAFLD小鼠肝脏内质网应激及肝细胞损伤和凋亡。

Effect of the Tiaobufeishen decoction on Caveolin-1-p38 MAPK signaling pathway and mechanism of improving the tracheobronchomalacia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective: Reliving the rela ti onship of the Caveolin-1-p38 MAPK signaling pathway and COPD tr acheob ronchomalacia, and resea rch the mechanism of Tiaobufeishen decoc tion imp rove the regression of the weasand cartilage cells. Methods: Flow cytometry was used to analyze the apoptosis rate to determine the optimal concentration of Tiaobufeishen decoction and CSE, CCK8 assay was used to dete rmine the op ti mal concent ration of P38-MAPK specific inhibitor. The COPD cell model was created by tracheal chondrocyte which dispose by optimal concent ration CSE, then add the IL-1P set up the chond rocyte degene ration model, use the method of toluidine blue staining and immunohistochemical authenticate degeneration of cartilage. This research included control group, model group, model-Tiaobufeishen group, model-blocker group. When the model was set up succeed, add the Tiaobufeishen decoction and P38-MAPK blocke r in the model-Tiaobufeishen and model-blocke r gr oups, r espectively. Weste rn Blot was used to detect the exp ression of caveolin-1 and p-p38 in the chond rocyte. RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of MMP3 and caveolin-1 in the matrix. Results: The cell activity was not influence by the concentration of Tiaobufeishen decoction and blocker, the concentration of the CSE model was moderation. Compared with control group, the level of caveolin-1, p38MAPK, MMP3 in the model group was significant increase, moreover, the result of toluidine blue staining and immunohistochemical methods show that the chond rocyte has obvious reg ression. The exp ression of caveolin-1, p38MAPK, and MMP3 have significant decrease than the control group, and the reduction of chondrocyte degeneration. Conclusion: The caveolin-1-p38MAPK signaling pathway play an important role in the morbidity of the tracheobronchomalacia. Tiaobufeishen decoction could decrease the exp ression of the caveolin-1, p-p38, MMP3, inhibit the activa tion of the caveolin-1-p38MAPK signaling pathway, therefore, it can improve the tracheobronchomalacia.

槲皮素对口腔鳞癌细胞增殖凋亡等细胞生物学行为及p38/JNK MAPK信号通路的影响

目的:探讨槲皮素对口腔鳞癌细胞增殖、凋亡、迁移、侵袭及p38/JNK MAPK信号通路的影响。方法:以体外培养的口腔鳞癌Tac8113细胞为研究对象,分别设置空白对照组,槲皮素低剂量组(25μmoL/L)、高剂量组(50μmoL/L)及阳性对照组(顺铂4μg/mL)。CCK-8法检测槲皮素对口腔鳞癌Tac8113细胞增殖的影响;流式细胞仪检测槲皮素对口腔鳞癌Tac8113细胞凋亡的影响;Transwell实验检测槲皮素对口腔鳞癌Tac8113细胞迁移、侵袭的影响;WB法检测p38/JNK MAPK信号通路相关蛋白表达。结果:与空白对照组相比,槲皮素低、高剂量组及阳性对照组Tac8113细胞增殖活力、迁移数及侵袭数均下降,凋亡率增加(P<0.05);与槲皮素低剂量组相比,槲皮素高剂量组及阳性对照组Tac8113细胞增殖活力、迁移数及侵袭数均下降,凋亡率增加(P<0.05),呈现剂量依赖性;槲皮素高剂量组及阳性对照组Tac8113细胞增殖活力、迁移数、侵袭数及凋亡率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。与空白对照组相比,槲皮素低、高剂量组p-p38、p-JNK及Caspase-3蛋白表达增加(P<0.05);与槲皮素低剂量组相比,槲皮素高剂量组p-p38、p-JNK及Caspase-3蛋白表达增加(P<0.05),呈现剂量依赖性;空白对照组、槲皮素低剂量组、槲皮素高剂量组、阳性对照组p38、JNK蛋白表达差异不显著(P>0.05)。结论:槲皮素可以降低口腔鳞癌Tac8113细胞的增殖活力、迁移和侵袭数,诱导Tac8113细胞凋亡,这可能是通过激活p38/JNK MAPK信号通路实现的。

miR-149-3p调控JNK/p38 MAPK信号通路对髓核细胞凋亡、自噬和炎性反应的影响

目的探讨miR-149-3p通过调控JNK/p38 MAPK信号通路对髓核细胞凋亡、自噬和炎症反应的影响。方法体外分离大鼠髓核细胞,用IL-1β浓度为10 ng/ml建立模型组,细胞分为Con组(空白对照)、IL-1β组(IL-1β处理)、IL-1β+miR-NC组(IL-1β处理,转染miR-NC)、IL-1β+miR-149-3p组(IL-1β处理,转染miR-149-3p)、IL-1β+miR-149-3p+Anisomycin组(IL-1β和通路激活剂Anisomycin处理,转染miR-149-3p)。采用qRT-PCR检测miR-149-3p相对表达水平;MTT、流式细胞术实验检测细胞增殖和凋亡;Western blot检测Bax、Bcl-2、Beclin 1、LC3II/LC3I、JNK/p38 MAPK信号通路相关蛋白表达;ELISA检测TNF-α、IL-6、IL-8表达水平。结果IL-1β组内miR-149-3p相对表达量、细胞活性、Bcl-2蛋白表达明显低于Con组,凋亡率、Bax、Beclin 1、LC3II/LC3I蛋白表达、TNF-α、IL-6、IL-8表达水平、p-JNK、p-p38 MAPK蛋白表达明显高于Con组(P<0.05)。IL-1β+miR-149-3p组内miR-149-3p相对表达量、细胞活性、Bcl-2蛋白表达明显高于IL-1β+miR-NC组(P<0.05),凋亡率、Bax、Beclin 1、LC3II/LC3I蛋白表达、TNF-α、IL-6、IL-8表达水平、p-JNK、p-p38 MAPK蛋白表达明显低于IL-1β+miR-NC组。IL-1β+miR-149-3p+Anisomycin组的p-JNK、p-p38 MAPK蛋白表达、凋亡率、Bax、Beclin 1、LC3II/LC3I蛋白表达、TNF-α、IL-6、IL-8表达水平明显高于IL-1β+miR-149-3p组,细胞活性、Bcl-2蛋白表达明显低于IL-1β+miR-149-3p组(P<0.05)。结论上调miR-149-3p能促进IL-1β诱导的髓核细胞增殖,抑制细胞凋亡、自噬和炎性反应,其作用机制可能与激活JNK/p38 MAPK信号通路有关。

黄芩苷通过激活JNK/p38 MAPK通路诱导ALL Reh细胞凋亡

目的 探究黄芩苷对急性淋巴细胞白血病(ALL)细胞株Reh增殖和凋亡的影响及c-Jun氨基蛋白激酶(JNK)/p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38 MAPK)通路在其机制中的作用。方法 黄芩苷处理或联合活性氧(ROS)清除剂NAC共处理Reh细胞;流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡、胞内ROS水平和线粒体膜功能(MMP);免疫荧光实验观察凋亡细胞的数目及其形态变化。Western blotting免疫印迹检测Reh细胞内凋亡蛋白和信号通路蛋白的表达水平。结果 与对照组比较,黄芩苷组Reh细胞增殖被抑制,细胞凋亡率、促凋亡蛋白、ROS、JNK和p38磷酸化水平显著上升,抗凋亡蛋白表达下调,MMP明显受损(P<0.01)。NAC清除ROS后明显恢复细胞增殖,JNK和p38磷酸化水平明显下降,Survivin表达恢复(P<0.01)。结论 黄芩苷经激活JNK/p38 MAPK通路活化Caspase3/7,诱导Reh细胞凋亡。

氟氯氰菊酯通过GADD45B介导JNK/p38MAPK通路对大鼠肾脏损伤的影响

目的 探讨氟氯氰菊酯暴露通过影响生长停滞和DNA损伤诱导β(GADD45B)水平并介导JNK/p38MAPK通路对大鼠肾脏损伤的影响。方法 将40只SPF级Wistar雄性大鼠按随机数表法分为4组,即对照组、氟氯氰菊酯低剂量组、中剂量组、高剂量组,每组10只。隔天灌胃连续染毒28 d,取肾脏组织称量后计算脏器系数。HE染色光镜下观察大鼠肾脏组织病理形态变化;透射电镜观察肾脏细胞超微结构变化;应用试剂盒检测肾脏组织中氧化损伤指标超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)含量变化;应用Western blot、qPCR检测GADD45B、p38MAPK、p-p38MAPK、JNK、p-JNK mRNA及蛋白表达水平变化。结果 与对照组相比,氟氯氰菊酯染毒大鼠体质量增长、肾脏质量和脏器系数的差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05);HE染色结果显示:与对照组相比,随着氟氯氰菊酯染毒剂量的增加,肾小管肿胀越发明显,肾小管上皮细胞大量脱落,肾小球萎缩。透射电镜结果显示:与对照组相比,随着氟氯氰菊酯染毒剂量的增加,基底膜逐渐增厚,线粒体和内质网出现不同程度损伤。与对照组比较,低、中、高剂量组MDA含量均升高(P均<0.05)、SOD活力均降低(P均<0.05)。与对照组相比,氟氯氰菊酯低、中、高剂量组中GADD45B的mRNA表达水平均升高(P均<0.05);JNK和p38MAPK的mRNA表达水平均降低(P均<0.05)。Western blot结果显示,与对照组比较,氟氯氰菊酯低、中、高剂量组中GADD45B、p-JNK、p-p38的蛋白表达水平均升高(P均<0.05);JNK和p38的蛋白表达水平均降低(P均<0.05)。结论 在氟氯氰菊酯致大鼠肾脏损伤中,GADD45B可通过激活JNK/p38MAPK通路诱导大鼠肾脏损伤。

α1-antitrypsin combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells regulates retinopathy in diabetic rats via p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway

Objective:To investigate the effect ofα1-antitrypsin combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on retinopathy in diabetic rats and its mechanism.Methods:A model of diabetic retinopathy was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin.The 30 Wistar rats successfully modeled were randomly divided into a model group,a bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell group and a combined group(α1-antitrypsin combined with bone marrow Mesenchymal stem cells),the blood glucose and serum insulin levels of diabetic rats were measured 4 weeks after treatment.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)for measuring serum inflammatory factors IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α in rats.Observing the pathological morphology of rat retina under hematoxylin-eosin staining(HE).TUNEL staining to observe the apoptosis of rat retinal nerve cells.Immunohistochemical method to detect the expression level of CD45 in retinal tissue.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of retinal vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),hypoxiainducible factor-1α(HIF-1α),and angiotensinⅡ(ANGⅡ)mRNA.Western blot was used to detect the expression of p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins in the retinal tissue of each group of rats.Results:Compared with the control group,the rats in the model group had increased blood glucose,decreased insulin levels,increased serum IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α levels,and had obvious lesions in the retina.CD45 showed high expression in retinal tissue,VEGF,HIF-1α,ANGⅡ mRNA expression increased,p-p38,p-p65,p-IκBα protein expression increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell group and the combined group have decreased blood glucose,increased insulin levels,and decreased serum IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α levels.Retinopathy is improved,apoptosis of retinal nerve cells is reduced,CD45 expression in retinal tissue is reduced,VEGF,HIF-1α,ANGⅡ mRNA expression is decreased,and p-p38,p-p65,p-IκBα protein expression is decreased.Compared with the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell group,the effect of the combined group was more obvious(P<0.05).Conclusion:α1-antitrypsin combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation can improve the degree of retinopathy in diabetic rats.The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Activation and signaling of the p38 MAP kinase pathway

The family members of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases mediate a wide variety of cellular behaviors in response to extracellular stimuli. One of the four main sub-groups, the p38 group of MAP kinases, serve as a nexus for signal transduction and play a vital role in numerous biological processes. In this review, we highlight the known characteristics and components of the p38 pathway along with the mechanism and consequences of p38 activation. We focus on the role of p38 as a signal transduction mediator and examine the evidence linking p38 to inflammation, cell cycle, cell death, development, cell differentiation, senescence and tumorigenesis in specific cell types. Upstream and downstream components of p38 are described and questions remaining to be answered are posed. Finally, we propose several directions for future research on p38.

p38 MAPK is a Component of the Signal Transduction Pathway Triggering Cold Stress Response in the MED Cryptic Species of Bemisia tabaci

Cold stress responses help insects to survive under low temperatures that would be lethal otherwise.This phenomenon might contribute to the invasion of some Bemisia tabaci cryptic species from subtropical areas to temperate regions.However,the molecular mechanisms regulating cold stress responses in whitefly are yet unclear.Mitogen-activated protein kinases（MAPKs）which including p38,ERK,and JNK,are well known for their roles in regulating metabolic responses to cold stress in many insects.In this study,we explored the possible roles of the MAPKs in response to low temperature stresses in the Mediterranean cryptic species（the Q-biotype）of the B.tabaci species complex.First,we cloned the p38 and ERK genes from the whitefly cDNA library.Next,we analyzed the activation of MAPKs during cold stress in the Mediterranean cryptic species by immuno-blotting.After cold stress,the level of phospho-p38 increased but no significant change was observed in the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK,thus suggesting that the p38 might be responsible for the defense response to low temperature stress.Furthermore,we demonstrated that：i）3 min chilling at 0°C was sufficient for the activation of p38 MAPK pathway in this whitefly;and ii）the amount of phosphorylated p38 increased significantly in the first 20 min of chilling,reversed by 60 min,and then returned to the original level by 120 min.Taken together,our results suggest that the p38 pathway is important during response to low temperature stress in the Mediterranean cryptic species of the B.tabaci species complex.

Down-regulation of HIV-1 Infection by Inhibition of the MAPK Signaling Pathway

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 （HIV-1） can interact with and exploit the host cellular machinery to replicate and propagate itself. Numerous studies have shown that the Mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signal pathway can positively regulate the replication of HIV-1, but exactly how each MAPK pathway affects HIV-1 infection and replication is not understood. In this study, we used the Extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK） pathway inhibitor, PD98059, the Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） pathway inhibitor, SP600125, and the p38 pathway inhibitor, SB203580, to investigate the roles of these pathways in HIV-1 replication. We found that application of PD98059 results in a strong VSV-G pseudotyped HIV-1NL4-3 luciferase reporter virus and HIV-1NL4-3 virus inhibition activity. In addition, SB203580 and SP600125 also elicited marked VSV-G pseudotyped HIV-INL4-3 luciferase reporter virus inhibition activity but no HIV-1NL4-3 virus inhibition activity. We also found that SB203580 and SP600125 can enhance the HIV-1 inhibition activity of PD98059 when cells were treated with all three MAPK pathway inhibitors in combination. Finally, we show that HIV-1 virus inhibition activity of the MAPK pathway inhibitors was the result of the negative regulation of HIV-1 LTR promoter activity.

The expression of MAPK signaling pathways in conjunctivochalasis

This study investigated the potential role of MAPK signaling pathways in conjunctivochalasis(CCH). Twenty loose conjunctival biopsy samples from 20 CCH and 15 conjunctival biopsy samples from 15 normal controls(CON) were collected. The conjunctival fibroblasts were cultured in vitro. Immunofluorescence, ELISA, Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) were used. Our results showed that the expression of p-ERK, p-JNK, and p-p38 in CCH conjunctiva was significantly higher than that in CON group. The expression of p38 MAPK, JNK, and ERK proteins in CCH fibroblasts was significantly higher than that in CON group. The total expression of MAPK m RNA in CCH fibroblasts was significantly higher than that in CON group. The activated forms of p38 MAPK, JNK, and ERK proteins and m RNAs might up-regulate the expression of MMPs in CCH loose conjunctival tissue and fibroblasts, causing the degradation of collagen fibers and elastic fibers and promoting the occurrence of CCH. Our results deepen the understanding of CCH pathological mechanism.

人参皂苷Rb1通过JNK/p38 MAPK途径减轻Aβ_(25-35)诱导的胎鼠皮层神经元tau蛋白过度磷酸化

探讨在Aβ25-35(beta-amyloid peptide(25-35),Aβ25-35)诱导的拟阿尔茨海默病样胎鼠皮层神经元tau蛋白过度磷酸化中,人参皂苷Rb1对tau蛋白磷酸化及JNK/p38 MAPK的可能作用。应用蛋白免疫印迹和免疫细胞化学染色的方法,观察tau蛋白磷酸化和JNK(c-jun N-terminal kinase)/p38 MAPK的表达情况。凝聚态Aβ25-35(20μmol.L-1)作用于皮层神经元12 h,tau蛋白的磷酸化水平明显增高,同时JNK/p38 MAPK的总量及其活性形式——磷酸化JNK/p38 MAPK的蛋白表达水平也增加,人参皂苷Rb1可以减轻tau蛋白的磷酸化水平及JNK/p38MAPK的蛋白水平。人参皂苷Rb1可通过JNK/p38 MAPK途径减轻Aβ25-35诱导的tau蛋白过度磷酸化。

原薯蓣皂调控JNK/P38 MAPK信号通路对卵巢癌SKOV3细胞系增殖、凋亡及迁移侵袭的影响

目的:探索原薯蓣皂苷(PD)对卵巢癌细胞系SKOV3生存及运动能力的影响。方法:利用不同浓度的PD处理SKOV3细胞,探究PD用药浓度。将细胞分为Control、PD(2μmol/L)、PD(5μmol/L)、PD(10μmol/L)、PD+SB203580及PD+SP600125组,细胞经PD、SB203580和SP600125分别或共同处理后,用MTT法检测细胞活性,Hoechst检测细胞凋亡,Transwell检测细胞侵袭能力,划痕实验检测细胞迁移能力,免疫印迹实验检测Ki67、B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病基因-2(Bcl-2)、B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病基因伴随蛋白x(Bax)、cleaved caspase-3、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)、基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)、基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)、磷酸化p38激酶(p-p38)、p38、磷酸化细胞外信号调节激酶1/2(p-ERK1/2)、ERK1/2、磷酸化c-Jun氨基末端激酶1/2(p-JNK1/2)和JNK1/2的表达。结果:PD浓度达到20μmol/L时,SKOV3细胞存活率不足80%,故将PD用药浓度分别设为2、5、10μmol/L。与Control组比较,PD(2μmol/L)、PD(5μmol/L)和PD(10μmol/L)组SKOV3细胞增殖速率及Bcl-2表达显著降低,细胞凋亡百分比及Bax和cleaved Caspase-3表达显著升高,PD(2μmol/L)组中Ki67表达无显著差异,PD(5μmol/L)和PD(10μmol/L)组中Ki67表达显著减少。同时,与Control组比较,PD(2μmol/L)、PD(5μmol/L)和PD(10μmol/L)组SKOV3细胞划痕闭合率显著降低,PD(2μmol/L)组中侵袭细胞数及VEGF、MMP-2、MMP-9的表达无显著差异,PD(5μmol/L)和PD(10μmol/L)组中侵袭细胞数及VEGF、MMP-2、MMP-9的表达显著减少。此外,与Control组比较,PD(2μmol/L)组、PD(5μmol/L)组和PD(10μmol/L)组中p-p38/p38和p-JNK1/2/JNK1/2的比值显著升高,p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2的比值无显著差异。SB203580显著抑制SKOV3细胞P38MAPK亚通路的激活,SP600125显著抑制SKOV3细胞JNKMAPK亚通路的激活。与PD(10μmol/L)组比较,PD+SB203580及PD+SP600125组中细胞增殖速率和Ki67表达显著升高,凋亡细胞百分比和cleaved Caspase-3表达显著降低,细胞划痕闭合率、侵袭细胞数及MMP-9表达显著升高。结论:PD通过激活JNK/P38MAPK信号通路降低卵巢癌SKOV3细胞生存及运动能力。

NF-KappaB、p38 MAPK和JNK通路在运动神经损伤引起的大鼠病理性疼痛中的作用及机制

【目的】探讨肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)激活的下游信号转导途径-核转录因子kappaB(NF-κB)、JNK和p38MAPK是否参与运动神经损伤引起的大鼠病理性疼痛的形成,并探讨其可能机制。【方法】采用痛行为学测试和免疫荧光组织化学方法,观察蛛网膜下腔内注射NF-κB抑制剂(PDTC)、p38 MAPK抑制剂(SB203580)和JNK抑制剂(SP600125)对腰5脊神经前根切断(L5-VRT)大鼠机械性痛过敏及腰5背根神经节(DRG)内电压门控钠通道(Nav1.3)表达的影响。【结果】①L5-VRT术前应用NF-κB抑制剂PDTC可完全抑制大鼠双侧机械性痛过敏的形成,并阻断同侧L5 DRG内Nav1.3的上调;②术前应用p38 MAPK抑制剂SB203580和JNK抑制剂SP600125主要抑制大鼠对侧后肢的机械性痛过敏;对手术同侧DRG内Nav1.3的表达,SB203580和SP600125分别具有完全阻断和部分阻断作用;③术后7 d给予PDTC或SB203580或SP600125对已形成的大鼠机械性痛过敏均无影响。【结论】运动神经损伤可能通过NF-κB、p38 MAPK和JNK途径调控未损伤DRG神经元内Nav1.3的表达从而进一步调控L5-VRT引起的大鼠后肢机械性痛过敏。

全反式维甲酸通过作用于JNK/P38 MAPK信号通路减轻大鼠脑缺血再灌注引起的血脑屏障损伤

目的:观察全反式维甲酸(all-trans retinoic acid,ATRA)对脑缺血再灌注(cerebral ischemia-reperfusion,CIR)损伤大鼠血脑屏障的影响,并探讨其可能的作用机制。方法:将SD雄性大鼠随机分组为假手术(sham)组、模型(CIR)组及CIR+ATRA(10、30和90 mg/kg)组。采用MCAO线栓法建立大鼠CIR损伤模型,缺血1. 5 h,再灌注24 h后,进行神经功能行为学评分及脑梗死体积、脑含水量和伊文思蓝含量的测定;明胶酶谱法检测基质金属蛋白酶9(MMP-9)的活性; Western blot法检测脑组织中紧密连接蛋白(claudin-5、occludin和ZO-1)、JNK、p-JNK、P38、p-P38和MMP-9的蛋白水平。结果:与CIR模型组相比,ATRA(30 mg/kg)可明显改善大鼠神经功能,减少脑梗死体积,降低脑含水量和伊文思蓝含量,降低缺血区紧密连接蛋白的降解(P <0. 01),降低缺血脑组织中MMP-9的活性及蛋白的表达(P <0. 01),抑制JNK/P38 MAPK通路中JNK和P38的磷酸化并减少p-JNK和p-P38的蛋白水平(P <0. 01)。结论:ATRA能够减轻CIR对大鼠脑组织的损伤和血脑屏障的破坏,其保护作用可能与抑制JNK/P38 MAPK信号通路和MMP-9的激活有关。