Electroacupuncture attenuates cerebral hypoxia and neuronal apoptosis induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.To further identify the involved mechanisms,we assumed that electroacupuncture used to treat cerebr...Electroacupuncture attenuates cerebral hypoxia and neuronal apoptosis induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.To further identify the involved mechanisms,we assumed that electroacupuncture used to treat cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was associated with the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway.We established rat models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury using the modified Zea-Longa's method.At 30 minutes before model establishment,p38 MAPK blocker SB20358 was injected into the left lateral ventricles.At 1.5 hours after model establishment,electroacupuncture was administered at acupoints of Chize(LU5),Hegu(LI4),Zusanli(ST36),and Sanyinjiao(SP6) for 20 minutes in the affected side.Results showed that the combination of EA and SB20358 injection significantly decreased neurologic impairment scores,but no significant differences were determined among different interventional groups.Hematoxylin-eosin staining also showed reduced brain tissue injuries.Compared with the SB20358 group,the cells were regularly arranged,the structures were complete,and the number of viable neurons was higher in the SB20358 + electroacupuncture group.Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(Td T)-mediated d UTP nick-end labeling assay showed a decreased apoptotic index in each group,with a significant decrease in the SB20358 + electroacupuncture group.Immunohistochemistry revealed reduced phosphorylated p38 expression at 3 days in the electroacupuncture group and SB20358 + electroacupuncture group compared with the ischemia/reperfusion group.There was no significant difference in phosphorylated p38 expression between the ischemia/reperfusion group and SB20358 group.These findings confirmed that the electroacupuncture effects on mitigating cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury are possibly associated with the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.A time period of 3 days could promote the repair of ischemic cerebral nerves.展开更多
Mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs)are a family of proteins that constitute signaling pathways involved in processes that control gene expression,cell division, cell survival,apoptosis,metabolism,differentiation ...Mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs)are a family of proteins that constitute signaling pathways involved in processes that control gene expression,cell division, cell survival,apoptosis,metabolism,differentiation and motility.The MAPK pathways can be divided into conventional and atypical MAPK pathways.The first group converts a signal into a cellular response through a relay of three consecutive phosphorylation events exerted by MAPK kinase kinases,MAPK kinase,and MAPK.Atypical MAPK pathways are not organized into this three-tiered cascade.MAPK that belongs to both conventional and atypical MAPK pathways can phosphorylate both non-protein kinase substrates and other protein kinases.The latter are referred to as MAPK-activated protein kinases.This review focuses on one such MAPK-activated protein kinase,MAPK-activated protein kinase 5(MK5)or p38-regulated/activated protein kinase(PRAK).This protein is highly conserved throughout the animal kingdom and seems to be the target of both conventional and atypical MAPK pathways.Recent findings on the regulation of the activity and subcellular localization,bona fide interaction partners and physiological roles of MK5/PRAK are discussed.展开更多
Rutin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-tumor and immune regulatory effects. However, the neuroprotective effects of rutin in spinal cord injury are unknown. The p38 mitogen activated protein kinase...Rutin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-tumor and immune regulatory effects. However, the neuroprotective effects of rutin in spinal cord injury are unknown. The p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway is the most important member of the MAPK family that controls inflammation. We assumed that the mechanism of rutin in the repair of spinal cord injury is associated with the inhibition of p38 MAPK pathway. Allen’s method was used to establish a rat model of spinal cord injury. The rat model was intraperitoneally injected with rutin (30 mg/kg) for 3 days. After treatment with rutin, Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor function scores increased. Water content, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta, and interleukin 6 levels, p38 MAPK protein expression and caspase-3 and -9 activities in T8–9 spinal cord decreased. Oxidative stress related markers superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels increased in peripheral blood. Rutin exerts neuroprotective effect through anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis and inhibition of p38 MAPK pathway.展开更多
We established a rat model of cardiac arrest by clamping the endotracheal tube of adult rats at expiration. Twenty-four hours after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, nerve cell injury and expression of tumor necrosis fac...We established a rat model of cardiac arrest by clamping the endotracheal tube of adult rats at expiration. Twenty-four hours after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, nerve cell injury and expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase content were increased. Rats injected with Xuebijing, a Chinese herb compound preparation, exhibited normal cellular structure and morphology, dense neuronal cytoplasm, and decreased tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase expression at 24 hours following cardiopulmonary resuscitation. These data suggest that Xuebijing can attenuate neuronal injury induced by hypoxia and reperfusion during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.展开更多
Recent studies have shown that varied stress stimuli activate c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), protein kinase B (Akt), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38) signal transduction pathway, and also regulate ...Recent studies have shown that varied stress stimuli activate c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), protein kinase B (Akt), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38) signal transduction pathway, and also regulate various apoptotic cascades. JNK and p38 promote apoptosis, but Akt protects against apoptosis, in hippocampal neurons. However, changes in the transduction pathway in different regions of brain tissues in a chronic stress rat model of depression remain poorly understood. Results from this study showed that JNK phosphorylation levels were significantly greater in the stress group hippocampus compared with the control group (P 〈 0.05). No significant difference in JNK phosphorylation levels was detected in the rat cerebral cortex between stress and control groups, and no significant difference in Akt and p38 phosphorylation levels was detected in the rat hippocampus and cerebral cortex between stress and control groups (P 〉 0.05). These results suggested that the JNK signal pathway is activated by JNK phosphorylation and participates in pathophysiological changes in rat models of depression.展开更多
Cerebral ischemia was induced using photothrombosis 1 hour after intraperitoneal injection of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor $B239063 into Swedish mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP/SW...Cerebral ischemia was induced using photothrombosis 1 hour after intraperitoneal injection of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor $B239063 into Swedish mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP/SWE) transgenic and non-transgenic mice. The number of surviving neurons in the penumbra was quantified using Nissl staining, and the activity of p38 MAPKs was measured by western blotting. The number of surviving neurons in the penumbra was significantly reduced in APP/SWE transgenic mice compared with non-transgenic controls 7 days after cerebral ischemia, but the activity of p38 MAPKs was significantly elevated compared with the non-ischemic hemisphere in the APP/SWE transgenic mice. SB239063 prevented these changes. The APP/SWE mutation exacerbated ischemic brain injury, and this could be alleviated by inhibiting p38 MAPK activity.展开更多
AIM: To identify kinases involved in phenotype regulation of vascular endothelial cells(VECs): Proproliferative G-protein signaling 5(RGS5)^(high)(typeⅠ) vs anti-proliferative RGS5^(low)(typeⅡ) VECs.METHODS: Proteom...AIM: To identify kinases involved in phenotype regulation of vascular endothelial cells(VECs): Proproliferative G-protein signaling 5(RGS5)^(high)(typeⅠ) vs anti-proliferative RGS5^(low)(typeⅡ) VECs.METHODS: Proteomic kinase assays were performed to identify the crucial kinase involved in the phenotype regulation of human VECs using typeⅠ VECs, which promotes the proliferation of human vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs), and typeⅡ VECs, which suppress the proliferation of human VSMCs. The assays were performed using multiple pairs of typeⅠ and typeⅡ VECs to obtain the least number of candidates. The involvement of the candidate kinases was verified by evaluating the effects of their specific inhibitors on the phenotype regulation of human VECs as well as the expression levels of regulator of RGS5, which is the causative gene for the "typeⅡ to typeⅠ" phenotype conversion of human VECs. RESULTS: p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase(p38α MAPK) was the only kinase that showed distinctive activities between typeⅠ and typeⅡ VECs: p38α MAPK activities were low and high in type-Ⅰand typeⅡ VECs, respectively. We found that an enforced expression of RGS5 indeed lowered p38α MAPK activitiesin typeⅡ VECs. Furthermore, treatments with a p38α MAPK inhibitor nullified the anti-proliferative potential in typeⅡ VECs. Interestingly, MAPK inhibitor treatments enhanced the induction of RGS5 gene. Thus, there is a vicious cycle between "RGS5 induction" and "p38α MAPK inhibition", which can explain the unidirectional process in the stress-induced "typeⅡ to typeⅠ" conversions of human VECs. To understand the upstream signaling of RGS5, which is known as an inhibitory molecule against the G protein-coupled receptor(GPCR)-mediated signaling, we examined the effects of RGS5 overexpression on the signaling events from sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P) to N-cadherin, because S1 P receptors belong to the GPCR family gene and N-cadherin, one of their downstream effectors, is reportedly involved in the regulation of VEC-VSMC interactions. We found that RGS5 specifically bound with S1P1. Moreover, N-cadherin localization at intercellular junctions in typeⅡ VECs was abolished by "RGS5 overexpression" and "p38α MAPK inhibition".CONCLUSION: p38α MAPK plays crucial roles in "type-Ⅰ vs type-Ⅱ" phenotype regulations of human VECs at the downstream of RGS5.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Activated N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is involved in the formation of chronic neuropathic pain, and its antagonist, ketamine, exhibits effective amelioration of diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP...BACKGROUND: Activated N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is involved in the formation of chronic neuropathic pain, and its antagonist, ketamine, exhibits effective amelioration of diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP). However, the mechanisms of NMDA receptor participation in the formation and maintenance of DNP remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role NMDA receptor plays in DNP and effects on p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) in a rat model of DNP. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Institute of Yunyang Medical College Affiliated Taihe Hospital between July 2005 and September 2007. MATERIALS: Streptozotocin was provided by Sigma, USA; p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) was provided by Shanghai KangChen Biotech, China; NMDA receptor antagonist (MK-801) was purchased from Shanghai Yope Biotech, China. METHODS: A total of 128 healthy, Wistar rats of clean grade, aged 3 months and weighing 180- 220 g, were randomly assigned to 4 groups: control, DNP model, p38 MAPK, and NMDA receptor. Each group contained 32 rats. DNP was established in all groups except for the control group by intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (65 mg/kg). Subsequently, 1 mg/kg SB203580 and 1 mg/kg MK-801 were injected once each week via intraperitoneal injection in the p38 MAPK and NMDA receptor groups, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At the end of 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks following streptozotocin injection, mechanical withdrawal threshold was measured in 8 animals from each group following von Frey filament stimulation. The rats were anesthetized and nerve conduction velocity of the left sciatic nerve was measured. Subsequently, the right sciatic nerve, the lumbar segment of the spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglia were removed from the L3-6 segment for microscopic examination, p38 MAPK expression was determined using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Expression of NMDA receptor 1 mRNA in dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord neurons was detected using RT-PCR. RESULTS: Mechanical withdrawal threshold and nerve conduction velocity were significantly reduced, and p38 MAPK and NMDA receptor 1 mRNA expression in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia were significantly increased, in the model, p38 MAPK, and NMDA receptor groups compared with the control group at all time points (P 〈 0.05). At 4-8 weeks following successful DNP model establishment, SB203580 and MK-801 increased mechanical withdrawal threshold, accelerated nerve conduction velocity, and attenuated p38 MAPK expression, compared with the model group. The NMDA receptor group exhibited downregulated mRNA expression of NMDA receptor 1 compared with the model and p38 MAPK groups (P 〈 0.05). CONCLUSION: NMDA receptor was highly expressed in the brains of DNP rats and was involved in DNP development via activation of the p38 MAPK signal pathway.展开更多
Objective: Impaired signal transduction is associated with tumorigenesis and progression of various kinds of human cancers. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta/Smad and ras-mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK...Objective: Impaired signal transduction is associated with tumorigenesis and progression of various kinds of human cancers. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta/Smad and ras-mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) are two major signal transduction pathways for adjusting cell proliferation and differentiation. Little is known about TGF-beta/Smad4 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Hereby, we investigated the expression of Smad4 in NSCLC, its correlation with MAPK proteins (including p38, ERK1 and JNK1 proteins) and their clinical significance in NSCLC. Methods: The expressions of Smad4, p38, ERK1 and JNK1 were detected at protein level with Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, at transcription level with RT-PCR. Statistical analysis was performed for the comparisons of expressions of Smad4, p38, ERK1 and JNK1, and their correlation with various clinicopathological parameters and the prognosis of NSCLC. Results: The levels of protein and mRNA expression of Smad4 in lung cancer tissues were significantly lower than in normal tissues (P〈0.05). All these four proteins were associated with TNM staging. There was a strongly negative correlation between p38 and Smad4. Expressions of Smad4, p38 and JNK1, as well as tumor differentiation and staging were significantly correlated with the prognosis of NSCLC by univariate analysis. By multivariate analysis, only Smad4, p38, tumor differentiation and staging were correlated with the prognosis. Taken together, the negative expression of p38 and positive expression of Smad4 were associated with a better prognosis of NSCLC. Conclusion: Smad4 could be of vital importance for the initiation and development of NSCLC. The expression of Smad4 might be inhibited by p38, supporting a cross-talk between main proteins of TGF-beta/Smad and ras-MAPK signal transduction pathways. Smad4 and p38 could be possible prognostic factors for NSCLC.展开更多
高温是常见的致畸因素之一.对多种哺乳动物包括人类具有致畸作用,但高温致畸机制尚不明确。最近研究发现,高温作为外源性刺激会使胚胎发育的敏感期生物体细胞凋亡发生紊乱,引起胚胎发育异常,导致先天畸形的发生。其凋亡作用机制涉...高温是常见的致畸因素之一.对多种哺乳动物包括人类具有致畸作用,但高温致畸机制尚不明确。最近研究发现,高温作为外源性刺激会使胚胎发育的敏感期生物体细胞凋亡发生紊乱,引起胚胎发育异常,导致先天畸形的发生。其凋亡作用机制涉及丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(mitagen-activated protein kinases,MAPKs)凋亡信号通路中的丝裂原活化蛋白激酶p38(p38MAPK).p38MAPK信号传导通路在高温致畸中发挥重要作用,成为高温致畸机制研究的新领域。展开更多
Colorectal cancer(CRC)remains one of the most common malignancies in the world.Although surgical resection combined with adjuvant therapy is effective at the early stages of the disease,resistance to conventional ther...Colorectal cancer(CRC)remains one of the most common malignancies in the world.Although surgical resection combined with adjuvant therapy is effective at the early stages of the disease,resistance to conventional therapies is frequently observed in advanced stages,where treatments become ineffective.Resistance to cisplatin,irinotecan and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy has been shown to involve mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling and recent studies identified p38αMAPK as a mediator of resistance to various agents in CRC patients.Studies published in the last decade showed a dual role for the p38αpathway in mammals.Its role as a negative regulator of proliferation has been reported in both normal(including cardiomyocytes,hepatocytes,fibroblasts,hematopoietic and lung cells)and cancer cells(colon,prostate,breast,lung tumor cells).This function is mediated by the negative regulation of cell cycle progression and the transduction of some apoptotic stimuli.However,despite its anti-proliferative and tumor suppressor activity in some tissues,the p38αpathway may also acquire an oncogenic role involving cancer related-processes such as cell metabolism,invasion,inflammation and angiogenesis.In this review,we summarize current knowledge about the predominant role of the p38αMAPK pathway in CRC development and chemoresistance.In our view,this might help establish the therapeutic potential of the targeted manipulation of this pathway in clinical settings.展开更多
Summary: This study examined the correlation of the expression of interleukin-36 (IL-36), a novel member of interleukin-1 (IL-1) family, with p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and nu clear factor-...Summary: This study examined the correlation of the expression of interleukin-36 (IL-36), a novel member of interleukin-1 (IL-1) family, with p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and nu clear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) pathways in psoriasis vulgaris skin lesions. The expression levels of IL-36a, IL-3613, IL-367, phosphorylated p38 MAPK, and NF-id3p65 were detected in the skin tissues of 38 psoriasis patients and 17 healthy control subjects by real-time quantitative reverse transcription po lymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. The cytokine expression levels were com pared between the psoriasis group and the control group. A correlation analysis between cytokine pro teins was performed in the psoriasis group. Results showed that the expression levels of IL-36a, IL-3613, IL-36y, phosphorylated p38 MAPK and NF-rh3p65 in the psoriasis group were Significantly higher than those in the control group (P〈0.001). In the psoriasis group, the IL-36 cytokine expression was positively correlated with phosphorylated p38 MAPK and NF-kBp65 expression (P〈0.05). A significant positive correlation was also found between the phosphorylated p38 MAPK and NF-v,.Bp65 expression (P〈0.01). It was concluded that the increased IL-36 expression is correlated with p38 MAPK and NF-kB pathways in psoriasis vulgaris skin lesions. All the three factors may be jointly involved in the pathogenesis and local inflammatory response of psoriasis.展开更多
To investigate the relationship between p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and cell apoptosis during the paclitaxel resistance of ovarian carcinoma cell lines, flow cytometry (FCM) and PI staining were...To investigate the relationship between p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and cell apoptosis during the paclitaxel resistance of ovarian carcinoma cell lines, flow cytometry (FCM) and PI staining were employed to determine the effect of p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 on the apoptosis of A2780/Taxol cells, a drug-resistant human ovarian carcinoma cell line. p38MAPK protein expression in SB203580-treated cells was immunochemically measured. The 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of paclitaxel on A2780/Taxol cells was determined by MTT assay. MDR-1 mRNA, and expression of p38MAPK and phospho-p53 protein were detected by RToPCR and Western blotting, respectively. The apoptosis rate of A2780/Taxol cells was (19.7±1.04)% 24 h after SB203580 treatment. A significant difference in apoptosis rate was found among experiment group, control group and untreated group (p〈0.05). The relative reversal rate of A2780/Taxol cells to paclitaxel was (57.18±2.01)%. As compared with the control group and the untreated group, p38MAPK protein and MDR-1 mRNA in SB203580-treated cells was substantially decreased. The expression of p53 protein was significantly increased. It is concluded that p38MAPK pathway is related to paclitaxel resistance of ovarian carcinoma, and blockade of this pathway can promote the apoptosis of the drug-resistant cells and reverse the drug-resistance. Moreover, p38MAPK-mediated apoptosis in paclitaxel-resistant ovarian carcinoma cells depends on the activation of p53.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the expression of interleukin(IL)-33 in the cornea and human corneal epithelial cells(HCECs) exposed to Aspergillus fumigatus(A. fumigatus), and to determine the function of IL-33/ST2/p38 signaling...AIM: To investigate the expression of interleukin(IL)-33 in the cornea and human corneal epithelial cells(HCECs) exposed to Aspergillus fumigatus(A. fumigatus), and to determine the function of IL-33/ST2/p38 signaling pathway in the immune response of corneal epithelial cells to A. fumigatus infection.METHODS: The mRNA and protein expression of IL-33 in HCECs and mice corneas were examined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis, respectively. IL-33 expression was also detected in cornea samples from healthy donors and patients with fungal keratitis with immunohistochemistry. The cultured HCECs were treated with inactive A. fumigatus hyphae at various concentrations with or without recombinant human IL-33 protein, soluble recombinant ST2 protein, specific ST2 neutralizing antibody, or the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) p38 inhibitor SB203580 for evaluation of the expression and activation of IL-33/ST2/p38 signaling in the regulation of proinflammatory cytokines. The production levels of IL-6 and IL-1β were determined by qR T-PCR and enzymelinked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The proliferation of HCECs was determined by a Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK8) assay and cell count.RESULTS: IL-33 expression levels increased in the corneal tissues of patients with fungal keratitis and in mice corneas of experimental A. fumigatus infection,as well as in HCECs with infection of A. fumigatus. A. fumigatus strongly stimulated HCECs-generated proinflammatory cytokine(IL-6 and IL-1β) production at both the mRNA and protein levels. This production of proinflammatory mediators stimulated by A. fumigatus was further stimulated by IL-33 and was prevented by soluble ST2 protein or ST2 neutralizing antibody. Moreover, IL-33 naturally promoted the p38 phosphorylation induced by A. fumigatus, which was suppressed by soluble ST2 protein. The MAPK p38 inhibitor SB203580 also inhibited the A. fumigatus-induced proinflammatory cytokine production. IL-33 administration for 48 h and 72 h promoted the proliferation of HCECs, which was attenuated by treatment with soluble recombinant human ST2 protein.CONCLUSION: A. fumigatus elevates IL-33 expression in human and mice corneas and HCECs. Thus, IL-33/ST2/p38 signaling may play an important role in amplifying the immune response of corneal epithelial cells to A. fumigatus infection. Besides, IL-33 promotes the cell proliferation of HCECs via its receptor ST2. These findings suggest a novel autocrine mechanism of amplification of the fungalinduced inflammatory response in the corneal epithelium, highlighting a potential therapeutic target for fungal keratitis.展开更多
Curcumin, as a main pharmacological component in the traditional Chinese medicine-- tttrmeric, has shown anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-tumor and anti-fibrotic effects. This study aimed to investigate the pos...Curcumin, as a main pharmacological component in the traditional Chinese medicine-- tttrmeric, has shown anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-tumor and anti-fibrotic effects. This study aimed to investigate the possible underlying signaling pathway which was involved in the inhibition of LDL-induced proliferation of mesangial cells and matrix by curcumin. Rat mesangial cells in vitro were incubated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and different concentrations of curcumin (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25.0 9mol/L) or p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580 (10 μmol/L). Under LDL incubation, mesangial cells proliferated, the expression of MMP-2 mRNA and protein was decreased, the expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein was increased, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was increased and p38 MAPK was activated significantly (P〈0.05). When LDL-induced cells were treated with curcumin in the concentration of 12.5 or 25.0 μmol/L, LDL-induced proliferation ofmesangial cells was suppressed, the expression of MMP-2 mRNA and protein increased, the expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein downregulated, the production of ROS inhibited and p38 MAPK inactivated (P〈0.05). In conclusion, curcumin can inhibit the LDL-induced proliferation of mesangial cells and up-regulate the expression of MMP-2, which may be related with the inhibitory effect of curcumin on COX-2 expression, ROS pro- duction and p38 MAPK.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81173355
文摘Electroacupuncture attenuates cerebral hypoxia and neuronal apoptosis induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.To further identify the involved mechanisms,we assumed that electroacupuncture used to treat cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was associated with the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway.We established rat models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury using the modified Zea-Longa's method.At 30 minutes before model establishment,p38 MAPK blocker SB20358 was injected into the left lateral ventricles.At 1.5 hours after model establishment,electroacupuncture was administered at acupoints of Chize(LU5),Hegu(LI4),Zusanli(ST36),and Sanyinjiao(SP6) for 20 minutes in the affected side.Results showed that the combination of EA and SB20358 injection significantly decreased neurologic impairment scores,but no significant differences were determined among different interventional groups.Hematoxylin-eosin staining also showed reduced brain tissue injuries.Compared with the SB20358 group,the cells were regularly arranged,the structures were complete,and the number of viable neurons was higher in the SB20358 + electroacupuncture group.Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(Td T)-mediated d UTP nick-end labeling assay showed a decreased apoptotic index in each group,with a significant decrease in the SB20358 + electroacupuncture group.Immunohistochemistry revealed reduced phosphorylated p38 expression at 3 days in the electroacupuncture group and SB20358 + electroacupuncture group compared with the ischemia/reperfusion group.There was no significant difference in phosphorylated p38 expression between the ischemia/reperfusion group and SB20358 group.These findings confirmed that the electroacupuncture effects on mitigating cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury are possibly associated with the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.A time period of 3 days could promote the repair of ischemic cerebral nerves.
文摘Mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs)are a family of proteins that constitute signaling pathways involved in processes that control gene expression,cell division, cell survival,apoptosis,metabolism,differentiation and motility.The MAPK pathways can be divided into conventional and atypical MAPK pathways.The first group converts a signal into a cellular response through a relay of three consecutive phosphorylation events exerted by MAPK kinase kinases,MAPK kinase,and MAPK.Atypical MAPK pathways are not organized into this three-tiered cascade.MAPK that belongs to both conventional and atypical MAPK pathways can phosphorylate both non-protein kinase substrates and other protein kinases.The latter are referred to as MAPK-activated protein kinases.This review focuses on one such MAPK-activated protein kinase,MAPK-activated protein kinase 5(MK5)or p38-regulated/activated protein kinase(PRAK).This protein is highly conserved throughout the animal kingdom and seems to be the target of both conventional and atypical MAPK pathways.Recent findings on the regulation of the activity and subcellular localization,bona fide interaction partners and physiological roles of MK5/PRAK are discussed.
基金supported in part by grants from the Young Scientists Awards Foundation of Shandong Province of China,No.BS2013YY049the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.2012M511036
文摘Rutin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-tumor and immune regulatory effects. However, the neuroprotective effects of rutin in spinal cord injury are unknown. The p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway is the most important member of the MAPK family that controls inflammation. We assumed that the mechanism of rutin in the repair of spinal cord injury is associated with the inhibition of p38 MAPK pathway. Allen’s method was used to establish a rat model of spinal cord injury. The rat model was intraperitoneally injected with rutin (30 mg/kg) for 3 days. After treatment with rutin, Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor function scores increased. Water content, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta, and interleukin 6 levels, p38 MAPK protein expression and caspase-3 and -9 activities in T8–9 spinal cord decreased. Oxidative stress related markers superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels increased in peripheral blood. Rutin exerts neuroprotective effect through anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis and inhibition of p38 MAPK pathway.
基金a grant from the Science and Technology Department of Jilin Province,No. 200705172
文摘We established a rat model of cardiac arrest by clamping the endotracheal tube of adult rats at expiration. Twenty-four hours after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, nerve cell injury and expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase content were increased. Rats injected with Xuebijing, a Chinese herb compound preparation, exhibited normal cellular structure and morphology, dense neuronal cytoplasm, and decreased tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase expression at 24 hours following cardiopulmonary resuscitation. These data suggest that Xuebijing can attenuate neuronal injury induced by hypoxia and reperfusion during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
基金the General Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.90709034
文摘Recent studies have shown that varied stress stimuli activate c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), protein kinase B (Akt), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38) signal transduction pathway, and also regulate various apoptotic cascades. JNK and p38 promote apoptosis, but Akt protects against apoptosis, in hippocampal neurons. However, changes in the transduction pathway in different regions of brain tissues in a chronic stress rat model of depression remain poorly understood. Results from this study showed that JNK phosphorylation levels were significantly greater in the stress group hippocampus compared with the control group (P 〈 0.05). No significant difference in JNK phosphorylation levels was detected in the rat cerebral cortex between stress and control groups, and no significant difference in Akt and p38 phosphorylation levels was detected in the rat hippocampus and cerebral cortex between stress and control groups (P 〉 0.05). These results suggested that the JNK signal pathway is activated by JNK phosphorylation and participates in pathophysiological changes in rat models of depression.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81171191Shenzhen Bureau of Science Technology and Information, No. 201002013+1 种基金Guangdong Province Medical Science Fund, No. A2008601 and Jinan University Scientific Research Foundation for Creation and Cultivation, No. 21609708
文摘Cerebral ischemia was induced using photothrombosis 1 hour after intraperitoneal injection of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor $B239063 into Swedish mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP/SWE) transgenic and non-transgenic mice. The number of surviving neurons in the penumbra was quantified using Nissl staining, and the activity of p38 MAPKs was measured by western blotting. The number of surviving neurons in the penumbra was significantly reduced in APP/SWE transgenic mice compared with non-transgenic controls 7 days after cerebral ischemia, but the activity of p38 MAPKs was significantly elevated compared with the non-ischemic hemisphere in the APP/SWE transgenic mice. SB239063 prevented these changes. The APP/SWE mutation exacerbated ischemic brain injury, and this could be alleviated by inhibiting p38 MAPK activity.
基金Supported by A Grant-in-Aid from the Ministry of HealthLabour and Welfare of Japan+2 种基金No.KHD1017by that from JSTPRESTO
文摘AIM: To identify kinases involved in phenotype regulation of vascular endothelial cells(VECs): Proproliferative G-protein signaling 5(RGS5)^(high)(typeⅠ) vs anti-proliferative RGS5^(low)(typeⅡ) VECs.METHODS: Proteomic kinase assays were performed to identify the crucial kinase involved in the phenotype regulation of human VECs using typeⅠ VECs, which promotes the proliferation of human vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs), and typeⅡ VECs, which suppress the proliferation of human VSMCs. The assays were performed using multiple pairs of typeⅠ and typeⅡ VECs to obtain the least number of candidates. The involvement of the candidate kinases was verified by evaluating the effects of their specific inhibitors on the phenotype regulation of human VECs as well as the expression levels of regulator of RGS5, which is the causative gene for the "typeⅡ to typeⅠ" phenotype conversion of human VECs. RESULTS: p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase(p38α MAPK) was the only kinase that showed distinctive activities between typeⅠ and typeⅡ VECs: p38α MAPK activities were low and high in type-Ⅰand typeⅡ VECs, respectively. We found that an enforced expression of RGS5 indeed lowered p38α MAPK activitiesin typeⅡ VECs. Furthermore, treatments with a p38α MAPK inhibitor nullified the anti-proliferative potential in typeⅡ VECs. Interestingly, MAPK inhibitor treatments enhanced the induction of RGS5 gene. Thus, there is a vicious cycle between "RGS5 induction" and "p38α MAPK inhibition", which can explain the unidirectional process in the stress-induced "typeⅡ to typeⅠ" conversions of human VECs. To understand the upstream signaling of RGS5, which is known as an inhibitory molecule against the G protein-coupled receptor(GPCR)-mediated signaling, we examined the effects of RGS5 overexpression on the signaling events from sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P) to N-cadherin, because S1 P receptors belong to the GPCR family gene and N-cadherin, one of their downstream effectors, is reportedly involved in the regulation of VEC-VSMC interactions. We found that RGS5 specifically bound with S1P1. Moreover, N-cadherin localization at intercellular junctions in typeⅡ VECs was abolished by "RGS5 overexpression" and "p38α MAPK inhibition".CONCLUSION: p38α MAPK plays crucial roles in "type-Ⅰ vs type-Ⅱ" phenotype regulations of human VECs at the downstream of RGS5.
基金a Grant from Hubei Provincial Health Ministry,No.JX3C58
文摘BACKGROUND: Activated N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is involved in the formation of chronic neuropathic pain, and its antagonist, ketamine, exhibits effective amelioration of diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP). However, the mechanisms of NMDA receptor participation in the formation and maintenance of DNP remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role NMDA receptor plays in DNP and effects on p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) in a rat model of DNP. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Institute of Yunyang Medical College Affiliated Taihe Hospital between July 2005 and September 2007. MATERIALS: Streptozotocin was provided by Sigma, USA; p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) was provided by Shanghai KangChen Biotech, China; NMDA receptor antagonist (MK-801) was purchased from Shanghai Yope Biotech, China. METHODS: A total of 128 healthy, Wistar rats of clean grade, aged 3 months and weighing 180- 220 g, were randomly assigned to 4 groups: control, DNP model, p38 MAPK, and NMDA receptor. Each group contained 32 rats. DNP was established in all groups except for the control group by intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (65 mg/kg). Subsequently, 1 mg/kg SB203580 and 1 mg/kg MK-801 were injected once each week via intraperitoneal injection in the p38 MAPK and NMDA receptor groups, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At the end of 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks following streptozotocin injection, mechanical withdrawal threshold was measured in 8 animals from each group following von Frey filament stimulation. The rats were anesthetized and nerve conduction velocity of the left sciatic nerve was measured. Subsequently, the right sciatic nerve, the lumbar segment of the spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglia were removed from the L3-6 segment for microscopic examination, p38 MAPK expression was determined using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Expression of NMDA receptor 1 mRNA in dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord neurons was detected using RT-PCR. RESULTS: Mechanical withdrawal threshold and nerve conduction velocity were significantly reduced, and p38 MAPK and NMDA receptor 1 mRNA expression in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia were significantly increased, in the model, p38 MAPK, and NMDA receptor groups compared with the control group at all time points (P 〈 0.05). At 4-8 weeks following successful DNP model establishment, SB203580 and MK-801 increased mechanical withdrawal threshold, accelerated nerve conduction velocity, and attenuated p38 MAPK expression, compared with the model group. The NMDA receptor group exhibited downregulated mRNA expression of NMDA receptor 1 compared with the model and p38 MAPK groups (P 〈 0.05). CONCLUSION: NMDA receptor was highly expressed in the brains of DNP rats and was involved in DNP development via activation of the p38 MAPK signal pathway.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30100220)
文摘Objective: Impaired signal transduction is associated with tumorigenesis and progression of various kinds of human cancers. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta/Smad and ras-mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) are two major signal transduction pathways for adjusting cell proliferation and differentiation. Little is known about TGF-beta/Smad4 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Hereby, we investigated the expression of Smad4 in NSCLC, its correlation with MAPK proteins (including p38, ERK1 and JNK1 proteins) and their clinical significance in NSCLC. Methods: The expressions of Smad4, p38, ERK1 and JNK1 were detected at protein level with Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, at transcription level with RT-PCR. Statistical analysis was performed for the comparisons of expressions of Smad4, p38, ERK1 and JNK1, and their correlation with various clinicopathological parameters and the prognosis of NSCLC. Results: The levels of protein and mRNA expression of Smad4 in lung cancer tissues were significantly lower than in normal tissues (P〈0.05). All these four proteins were associated with TNM staging. There was a strongly negative correlation between p38 and Smad4. Expressions of Smad4, p38 and JNK1, as well as tumor differentiation and staging were significantly correlated with the prognosis of NSCLC by univariate analysis. By multivariate analysis, only Smad4, p38, tumor differentiation and staging were correlated with the prognosis. Taken together, the negative expression of p38 and positive expression of Smad4 were associated with a better prognosis of NSCLC. Conclusion: Smad4 could be of vital importance for the initiation and development of NSCLC. The expression of Smad4 might be inhibited by p38, supporting a cross-talk between main proteins of TGF-beta/Smad and ras-MAPK signal transduction pathways. Smad4 and p38 could be possible prognostic factors for NSCLC.
文摘高温是常见的致畸因素之一.对多种哺乳动物包括人类具有致畸作用,但高温致畸机制尚不明确。最近研究发现,高温作为外源性刺激会使胚胎发育的敏感期生物体细胞凋亡发生紊乱,引起胚胎发育异常,导致先天畸形的发生。其凋亡作用机制涉及丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(mitagen-activated protein kinases,MAPKs)凋亡信号通路中的丝裂原活化蛋白激酶p38(p38MAPK).p38MAPK信号传导通路在高温致畸中发挥重要作用,成为高温致畸机制研究的新领域。
基金Supported by Italian Association for Cancer Research(AIRC)fellowship(to Grossi V)Italian Foundation for Cancer Research(FIRC)fellowships(to Peserico A and Tezil T)+1 种基金Investigator Grant 2010 No.IG10177 to Simone C from the Italian Association for Cancer Research(AIRC)FIRB"Futuro in Ricerca"RBFR12VP3Q_003(to Simone C)from the Italian MIUR
文摘Colorectal cancer(CRC)remains one of the most common malignancies in the world.Although surgical resection combined with adjuvant therapy is effective at the early stages of the disease,resistance to conventional therapies is frequently observed in advanced stages,where treatments become ineffective.Resistance to cisplatin,irinotecan and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy has been shown to involve mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling and recent studies identified p38αMAPK as a mediator of resistance to various agents in CRC patients.Studies published in the last decade showed a dual role for the p38αpathway in mammals.Its role as a negative regulator of proliferation has been reported in both normal(including cardiomyocytes,hepatocytes,fibroblasts,hematopoietic and lung cells)and cancer cells(colon,prostate,breast,lung tumor cells).This function is mediated by the negative regulation of cell cycle progression and the transduction of some apoptotic stimuli.However,despite its anti-proliferative and tumor suppressor activity in some tissues,the p38αpathway may also acquire an oncogenic role involving cancer related-processes such as cell metabolism,invasion,inflammation and angiogenesis.In this review,we summarize current knowledge about the predominant role of the p38αMAPK pathway in CRC development and chemoresistance.In our view,this might help establish the therapeutic potential of the targeted manipulation of this pathway in clinical settings.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30972654,No.81101191,No.81271765 and No.81171495)
文摘Summary: This study examined the correlation of the expression of interleukin-36 (IL-36), a novel member of interleukin-1 (IL-1) family, with p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and nu clear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) pathways in psoriasis vulgaris skin lesions. The expression levels of IL-36a, IL-3613, IL-367, phosphorylated p38 MAPK, and NF-id3p65 were detected in the skin tissues of 38 psoriasis patients and 17 healthy control subjects by real-time quantitative reverse transcription po lymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. The cytokine expression levels were com pared between the psoriasis group and the control group. A correlation analysis between cytokine pro teins was performed in the psoriasis group. Results showed that the expression levels of IL-36a, IL-3613, IL-36y, phosphorylated p38 MAPK and NF-rh3p65 in the psoriasis group were Significantly higher than those in the control group (P〈0.001). In the psoriasis group, the IL-36 cytokine expression was positively correlated with phosphorylated p38 MAPK and NF-kBp65 expression (P〈0.05). A significant positive correlation was also found between the phosphorylated p38 MAPK and NF-v,.Bp65 expression (P〈0.01). It was concluded that the increased IL-36 expression is correlated with p38 MAPK and NF-kB pathways in psoriasis vulgaris skin lesions. All the three factors may be jointly involved in the pathogenesis and local inflammatory response of psoriasis.
基金a grant from R&D program of Heilongjiang Province (No. GB05C402-11).
文摘To investigate the relationship between p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and cell apoptosis during the paclitaxel resistance of ovarian carcinoma cell lines, flow cytometry (FCM) and PI staining were employed to determine the effect of p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 on the apoptosis of A2780/Taxol cells, a drug-resistant human ovarian carcinoma cell line. p38MAPK protein expression in SB203580-treated cells was immunochemically measured. The 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of paclitaxel on A2780/Taxol cells was determined by MTT assay. MDR-1 mRNA, and expression of p38MAPK and phospho-p53 protein were detected by RToPCR and Western blotting, respectively. The apoptosis rate of A2780/Taxol cells was (19.7±1.04)% 24 h after SB203580 treatment. A significant difference in apoptosis rate was found among experiment group, control group and untreated group (p〈0.05). The relative reversal rate of A2780/Taxol cells to paclitaxel was (57.18±2.01)%. As compared with the control group and the untreated group, p38MAPK protein and MDR-1 mRNA in SB203580-treated cells was substantially decreased. The expression of p53 protein was significantly increased. It is concluded that p38MAPK pathway is related to paclitaxel resistance of ovarian carcinoma, and blockade of this pathway can promote the apoptosis of the drug-resistant cells and reverse the drug-resistance. Moreover, p38MAPK-mediated apoptosis in paclitaxel-resistant ovarian carcinoma cells depends on the activation of p53.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81470609 No.81700800+5 种基金 No.81870632 No.81800800)Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(No.ZR2013HQ007 No.ZR2017MH008 No.ZR2017BH025)the Youth National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81500695)
文摘AIM: To investigate the expression of interleukin(IL)-33 in the cornea and human corneal epithelial cells(HCECs) exposed to Aspergillus fumigatus(A. fumigatus), and to determine the function of IL-33/ST2/p38 signaling pathway in the immune response of corneal epithelial cells to A. fumigatus infection.METHODS: The mRNA and protein expression of IL-33 in HCECs and mice corneas were examined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis, respectively. IL-33 expression was also detected in cornea samples from healthy donors and patients with fungal keratitis with immunohistochemistry. The cultured HCECs were treated with inactive A. fumigatus hyphae at various concentrations with or without recombinant human IL-33 protein, soluble recombinant ST2 protein, specific ST2 neutralizing antibody, or the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) p38 inhibitor SB203580 for evaluation of the expression and activation of IL-33/ST2/p38 signaling in the regulation of proinflammatory cytokines. The production levels of IL-6 and IL-1β were determined by qR T-PCR and enzymelinked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The proliferation of HCECs was determined by a Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK8) assay and cell count.RESULTS: IL-33 expression levels increased in the corneal tissues of patients with fungal keratitis and in mice corneas of experimental A. fumigatus infection,as well as in HCECs with infection of A. fumigatus. A. fumigatus strongly stimulated HCECs-generated proinflammatory cytokine(IL-6 and IL-1β) production at both the mRNA and protein levels. This production of proinflammatory mediators stimulated by A. fumigatus was further stimulated by IL-33 and was prevented by soluble ST2 protein or ST2 neutralizing antibody. Moreover, IL-33 naturally promoted the p38 phosphorylation induced by A. fumigatus, which was suppressed by soluble ST2 protein. The MAPK p38 inhibitor SB203580 also inhibited the A. fumigatus-induced proinflammatory cytokine production. IL-33 administration for 48 h and 72 h promoted the proliferation of HCECs, which was attenuated by treatment with soluble recombinant human ST2 protein.CONCLUSION: A. fumigatus elevates IL-33 expression in human and mice corneas and HCECs. Thus, IL-33/ST2/p38 signaling may play an important role in amplifying the immune response of corneal epithelial cells to A. fumigatus infection. Besides, IL-33 promotes the cell proliferation of HCECs via its receptor ST2. These findings suggest a novel autocrine mechanism of amplification of the fungalinduced inflammatory response in the corneal epithelium, highlighting a potential therapeutic target for fungal keratitis.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81100485)Scientific Research Foundation for Returned Scholars, Ministry of Education of China(No.[2011]1568)
文摘Curcumin, as a main pharmacological component in the traditional Chinese medicine-- tttrmeric, has shown anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-tumor and anti-fibrotic effects. This study aimed to investigate the possible underlying signaling pathway which was involved in the inhibition of LDL-induced proliferation of mesangial cells and matrix by curcumin. Rat mesangial cells in vitro were incubated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and different concentrations of curcumin (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25.0 9mol/L) or p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580 (10 μmol/L). Under LDL incubation, mesangial cells proliferated, the expression of MMP-2 mRNA and protein was decreased, the expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein was increased, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was increased and p38 MAPK was activated significantly (P〈0.05). When LDL-induced cells were treated with curcumin in the concentration of 12.5 or 25.0 μmol/L, LDL-induced proliferation ofmesangial cells was suppressed, the expression of MMP-2 mRNA and protein increased, the expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein downregulated, the production of ROS inhibited and p38 MAPK inactivated (P〈0.05). In conclusion, curcumin can inhibit the LDL-induced proliferation of mesangial cells and up-regulate the expression of MMP-2, which may be related with the inhibitory effect of curcumin on COX-2 expression, ROS pro- duction and p38 MAPK.