DATS通过p38MAPK通路抑制LPS诱导的小鼠MH-S细胞TNF-α及IL-1β表达

目的探讨p38MAPK在二烯丙基三硫(DATS)抑制脂多糖(LPS)诱导小鼠肺泡巨噬细胞促炎细胞因子表达中的作用。方法体外培养MH-S细胞,用DATS和(或)LPS进行干预,Western blot检测细胞p38及磷酸化p38(p-p38)的表达;用LPS和(或)SB203580孵育细胞,反转录PCR检测细胞中TNF-α、IL-1βmRNA表达,Western blot检测细胞磷酸化(p-IκB)及非磷酸化IκB的表达。结果 LPS刺激MH-S细胞可导致p-p38表达增加,呈时间依赖性;用DATS(0.1、0.5、2.5、5.0 mg.L-1)预处理细胞30 min后再给予LPS刺激,p-p38表达呈剂量依赖性下降;单独DATS对p-p38表达无明显影响。p38特异性抑制剂SB203580可剂量依赖性地抑制LPS诱导的p-IκB蛋白、TNF-α及IL-1βmR-NA表达。结论 DATS可通过抑制p38MAPK通路抑制IκB磷酸化及NF-κB活化,进而下调LPS诱导小鼠肺泡巨噬细胞TNF-α、IL-1βmRNA表达。     

八肽胆囊收缩素通过p38MAPK通路抑制LPS诱导的RAW264.7细胞IL-1β表达

目的研究八肽胆囊收缩素(CCK-8)对LPS诱导RAW264.7细胞IL-1β表达的影响及相关机制。方法用ELISA及RT-PCR法检测RAW264.7细胞IL-1βmRNA及蛋白表达;用Western blot检测RAW264.7细胞p38 MAPK的磷酸化水平。结果①LPS可时间依赖性的诱导RAW264.7细胞IL-1βmRNA及蛋白的表达,分别于刺激后3 h及6 h达到高峰;②10-10 mol.L-1 CCK-8对LPS诱导的RAW264.7细胞IL-1β表达无影响;10-8、10-6 mol.L-1CCK-8浓度依赖性地抑制了LPS诱导的RAW264.7细胞IL-1β表达;③10-10 mol.L-1 CCK-8未影响LPS诱导的p-p38MAPK水平,10-8、10-6 mol.L-1 CCK-8浓度依赖性地抑制了LPS诱导的p-p38 MAPK水平;④p38 MAPK特异性抑制剂SB203580可抑制LPS诱导的RAW264.7细胞IL-1β表达,与CCK-8共同作用后,抑制作用进一步加强。结论 CCK-8通过抑制p38 MAPK磷酸化而抑制了LPS诱导的RAW264.7细胞IL-1β表达,这可能是CCK-8发挥抗炎作用的信号转导机制之一。     

Effects of sodium ferulate on amyloid-beta-induced MKK3/MKK6-p38 MAPK-Hsp27 signal pathway and apoptosis in rat hippocampus

AIM: To observe the effects of sodium ferulate (SF) on amyloid beta (Abeta)1-40-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathway and the neuroprotective effects of SF. METHODS: Rats were injected intracerebroventricularly with Abeta1-40. Six hours after injection, Western blotting was used to determine the expressions of phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MKK) 3/MKK6, phospho-p38 MAPK, interleukin (IL)-1beta, phospho-MAPK activating protein kinase 2 (MAPKAPK-2), the 27 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp27), procaspase-9, -3, and -7 cleavage, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Seven days after injection, Nissl staining was used to observe the morphological change in hippocampal CA1 regions. RESULTS: Intracerebroventricular injection of Abeta1-40 induced an increase in phosphorylated MKK3/MKK6 and p38 MAPK expressions in hippocampal tissue. These increases, in combination with enhanced interleukin (IL)-1beta protein expression and reduced phospho-MAPKAPK2 and phospho-Hsp27 expression, mediate the Abeta-induced activation of cell death events as assessed by cleavage of procaspase-9, -3, and -7 and caspase-3 substrate PARP cleavage. Pretreatment with SF (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg daily, 3 weeks) significantly prevented Abeta1-40-induced increases in phosphorylated MKK3/MKK6 and p38 MAPK expression. The Abeta1-40-induced increase in IL-1beta protein level was attenuated by pretreatment with SF. In addition, Abeta1-40-induced decreases in phosphorylated MAPKAPK2 and Hsp27 expression were abrogated by administration of SF. In parallel with these findings, Abeta1-40-induced changes in activation of caspase-9, caspase-7, and caspase-3 were inhibited by pretreatment with SF. CONCLUSION: SF prevents Abeta1-40-induced neurotoxicity through suppression of MKK3/MKK6-p38 MAPK activity and IL-1beta expression and upregulation of phospho-Hsp27 expression.     

高脂乳对大鼠神经炎症的产生及其机制的初步研究

目的本研究通过高脂乳对大鼠造模观察神经炎症的激活状况,并对其形成炎症的机制进行初步研究。方法①选用SD大鼠分为空白组和模型组,模型组给予高脂乳灌胃2个月造成高脂模型。②采用ELISA方法检测脑海马、皮层、纹状体匀浆液中各组炎症因子TNF-α、IL-1β的含量。③采用Western blot方法检测了海马、皮层、纹状体各组COX2、GFAP、OX42的含量及MAPK通路中p38、ERK、JNK的活性变化。④采用免疫组化法观察GFAP标记的海马、皮层中星形胶质细胞的激活。结果实验表明在大鼠脑海马、皮层、纹状体中TNF-α、IL-1β的含量及COX2的表达水平增加,小胶质细胞和星形胶质细胞被激活,p38、ERK、JNK的活性增强。结论高脂饮食可能通过激活MAPK途径从而引起脑内炎症。     

布洛芬对淀粉样β蛋白片段1~40引起的大鼠海马p38 MAP激酶信号传导通路及半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶级联的影响(英文)

目的研究布洛芬对淀粉样β蛋白片段1-40 (Aβ1-40)所致大鼠海马损伤的保护作用及作用机制。方法大鼠ig给予布洛芬15 mg.kg-1,连续应用3周,脑室内一次性注射Aβ1-40(5μL,1 mmol.L-1),注射后6h快速取海马CA1区,Western免疫印迹法观察磷酸化丝裂原激活的蛋白激酶的激酶3/6(MKK3/MKK6)、磷酸化丝裂原激活的蛋白激酶p38(p38 MAP激酶)、磷酸化MAPK活化的蛋白激酶2(MAPKAPK2)、磷酸化热休克蛋白p27(Hsp27)、半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶(caspase)9, 3,7以及ADP-核糖聚合酶(PARP)的蛋白表达水平的改变。结果脑室内注射Aβ1-40可引起海马CA1区磷酸化的MKK3/MKK6和磷酸化p38 MAP激酶表达明显增加,但可使磷酸化MAPKAPK2和磷酸化的Hsp27表达降低,这些改变伴随有caspase级联的激活。此外,也发现Aβ1-40可使海马CA1区完整的PARP蛋白表达明显减少,而劈切PARP(分子量为89 ku)表达明显增加。布洛芬可明显对抗Aβ1-40引起的磷酸化的MKK3/MKK6和磷酸化p38 MAP激酶表达增加,上调磷酸化MAPKAPK2和磷酸化的Hsp27表达水平,同时抑制Aβ1-40引起的caspase级联激活和PARP的劈切。结论布洛芬通过抑制Aβ1-40引起的磷酸化的MKK3/MKK6和磷酸化p38 MAP激酶表达,明显增加以及上调磷酸化的Hsp27表达水平,对抗Aβ1-40引起的海马的神经细胞损伤。     

CCK-8对IL-1β诱导大鼠滑膜细胞株RSC-364增殖的影响

目的研究八肽胆囊收缩素(CCK-8)对IL-1β诱导大鼠滑膜细胞增殖的影响及相关机制。方法应用噻唑蓝(MTT)比色法检测CCK-8对IL-1β诱导RSC-364细胞增殖的影响;应用Westernblot检测CCK-8对IL-1β诱导RSC-364细胞p38MAPK磷酸化的影响。结果CCK-8剂量依赖性(10-12、10-10、10-8、10-6mol.L-1)抑制IL-1β诱导的RSC-364细胞增殖;CCK-8剂量依赖性(10-10、10-8、10-6mol.L-1)抑制了IL-1β诱导的RSC-364细胞p38MAPK的磷酸化;且CCK-8A、B受体拮抗剂CR1409或CR2945均减弱了CCK-8的抑制效应。结论CCK-8剂量依赖性抑制了IL-1β诱导的RSC-364细胞增殖,该作用由CCK-AR和CCK-BR介导,并可能通过抑制p38MAPK磷酸化而实现的。     

Modulation Of Sulfur Mustard-induced Inflammation And Gene Expression By Olvanil In The Hairless Mouse Vesicant Model

Cutaneous exposure to sulfur mustard [bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide (SM)] produces a delayed inflammatory skin response that is followed by severe dermal injury. Assessment of anti-inflammatory therapies against SM-induced skin injury has mainly relied on qualitative histopathological evaluation. The goal of this study was to identify proinflammatory biomarkers in the hairless mouse vesicant model that could be used as additional indicators of SM-induced skin injury for evaluating anti-inflammatory treatment. SM-induced inflammation was determined at 2, 6, and 24 hr postexposure by changes in edema. Ribonuclease protection assay (RPA) was used to determine changes in gene expression of inflammatory mediators. At 2, 6, and 24 hr postexposure, a time-dependent increase in edema was observed in SM-exposed skin, which was significant at 6 and 24 hr when compared to unexposed controls. Ribonuclease protection assay analysis revealed a two-fold or greater increase in monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), MIP-1α, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin (IL)-1β following exposure to SM when compared to unexposed controls. A significant time-dependent increase was observed in MCP-1, MIP-1α, and IL-1β over the 24 hr time period. At 24 hr postexposure, skin treated with the anti-inflammatory drug olvanil showed a significant decrease in SM-induced edema. Additionally, mRNA levels of MCP-1, MIP-2, and IL-1β were decreased when compared to skin exposed to SM alone. In this study, we identified molecular biomarkers at the mRNA level, up-regulated in skin exposed to SM, which can be partially suppressed by olvanil. Further characterization of the mRNA and protein expression patterns of proinflammatory biomarkers may enable the use of other classes of anti-inflammatory drugs or therapeutic treatments against SM dermal injury.     

Ⅱ°烧烫伤模型大鼠体内TGF-β、p38MAPK、IL-1β的表达分析

目的:探讨Ⅱ°烧烫伤模型大鼠体内转化生长因子β(TGF-β)、p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)和白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)的表达情况。方法:取大鼠分为4组,每组14只,分别为正常对照组、NaOH烧伤组、水烫伤组和乙醇烧伤组,分别建立相应的Ⅱ°烧烫伤模型,24 h后观察各组大鼠病理变化,酶联免疫吸附剂测定法检测各组大鼠建模后第1、4、7天血清中TGF-β、p38 MAPK和IL-1β的水平。结果:与正常对照组比较,其余3组大鼠均可见表皮及真皮有不同程度的缺损或坏死,炎性细胞向肌层组织浸润,其中水烫伤组和乙醇烧伤组大鼠皮下水肿明显;NaOH烧伤组大鼠血清中TGF-β和p38 MAPK水平在第4、7天均明显升高(P<0.05或P<0.01),IL-1β表达无明显变化;水烫伤组大鼠血清中TGF-β水平在第1、4、7天均明显升高(P<0.05),p38 MAPK和IL-1β水平在第4、7天明显升高(P<0.05或P<0.01);乙醇烧伤组大鼠血清中TGF-β水平在第4天明显升高(P<0.05),p38 MAPK和IL-1β水平在第1、4、7天均明显升高(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论:水烫伤和乙醇烧伤可致大鼠Ⅱ°烧烫伤模型中TGF-β、p38 MAPK和IL-1β水平均有不同程度的升高,并可能激发TGF-β、p38 MAPK和IL-1β参与的炎症信号通路。     

Desferrioxamine (DFX) induces apoptosis through the p38-caspase8-Bid-Bax pathway in PHA-stimulated human lymphocytes

Desferrioxamine (DFX) induces apoptosis in human lymphocytes, although the mechanism leading to cell death is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the signaling pathways implicated in DFX-induced apoptosis in lymphocytes. DFX treatment activated caspase-9, caspase-3, and caspase-8. DFX-induced apoptosis was inhibited by both z-IETD-fmk and z-DEVD-fmk. DFX treatment also enhanced caspase-8 activity, Bid cleavage, and the conformational activation of Bax. DFX treatment activated two MAPKs, p38 and JNK, and induced the phosphorylation of two proteins in the p38 pathway, MKK3 and MKK6. DFX treatment also increased the phosphorylation of two downstream targets of p38, ATF-2 and MAPKAPK2, indicating that DFX promotes p38 activity. In addition, the selective p38 inhibitor SB203580 suppressed DFX-induced apoptosis and caspase-8 activation, whereas the JNK inhibitor, SP600125, and the ERK inhibitor, PD98059, had no effect. Our results suggest that DFX-induced apoptosis is mediated by the p38 pathway and a caspase-8-dependent Bid-Bax pathway in human lymphocytes.     

Cell-type-specific activation of p38 protein kinase cascades by the novel tumor promoter palytoxin.

Palytoxin is a potent non-12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-type skin tumor promoter. We used COS7 and HeLa cells to investigate the protein kinase cascades by which palytoxin activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38. Three p38 kinases have been identified: stress-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase-1 (SEK1), MAPK kinase 3 (MKK3), and MKK6. SEK1 phosphorylates and activates both p38 and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK), whereas MKK3 and MKK6 selectively phosphorylate and activate p38. Although transiently overexpressed SEK1 activates p38 in cells, the importance of endogenous SEK1 for the activation of p38 by specific types of stimuli is unclear because some agents, such as sorbitol, can activate p38 in cells derived from SEK1 knockout mice. Because we previously showed that palytoxin activates JNK through an SEK1-dependent pathway, we investigated whether SEK1 also mediates the activation of p38 by palytoxin. The results presented here demonstrate that endogenous SEK1 does play an important role in the activation of p38 by palytoxin in specific cell types. In COS7 cells, palytoxin stimulated the phosphorylation of SEK1 and MKK6, and expression of dominant negative mutants of either SEK1 or MKK6 inhibited palytoxin-stimulated p38 activation. In HeLa cells, palytoxin stimulated the phosphorylation of MKK3 in addition to SEK1 and MKK6. In contrast to COS7 cells, in HeLa cells expression of a dominant negative mutant of SEK1 did not inhibit palytoxin-stimulated activation of p38, although expression of dominant negative mutants of either MKK3 or MKK6 did inhibit palytoxin-stimulated p38 activation in this cell type. These studies indicate that the importance of SEK1 in the activation of p38 by palytoxin depends on the ability of palytoxin to activate MKK3 and MKK6.     

Corticotropin releasing factor-1 receptor antagonism alters the biochemical, but not behavioral effects of repeated interleukin-1β administration

Activation of the immune system via administration of cytokines is used for the treatment of chronic viral infections such as hepatitis C and for cancers resistant to radiotherapy. Cytokine-based treatments induce a range of "sickness" behaviors (e.g. depression, anxiety, pain, anorexia, and fatigue). Activation of the hypothalamic pituitary-adrenal axis via the induction of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) may underlie these unwanted side effects. This study used repeated systemic injections of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) to model the sickness behaviors and biochemical effects of immune system activation. We assessed the ability of CRF type I receptor (CRF(1)) antagonism to reduce biochemical and behavioral signs of sickness induced by IL-1β treatment. Forty Wistar rats were assigned to one of four groups: 1) saline+vehicle; 2) saline+DMP904 (CRF(1) antagonist); 3) IL-1β+vehicle; 4) IL-1β+DMP904. Rats received intraperitoneal injections of either DMP904 or vehicle and of IL-1β or saline for six days. Sickness behavior was evaluated using body weight assessments and forced swim testing (FST). Blood and brain samples were collected to measure cytokine, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phospho-p38 MAPK levels using multiplex techniques. There were significant reductions in body weights and FST immobility times associated with IL-1β administration. Rats administered IL-1β had significantly higher serum levels of IL-10, but not interferon-γ. Within the hippocampus, IL-1β reduced levels of p38 MAPK, but had no impact on levels of phospho-p38 MAPK except in the presence of DMP904. When administered alone, DMP904 had no significant effect on p38 MAPK or phospho-p38 MAPK in the hippocampus, but when given with IL-1β led to increased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. IL-1β and DMP904 reduced levels of p38 MAPK within the hypothalamus, while co-administration of IL-1β and DMP904 abolished the effects of either drug alone. IL-1β decreased immobility time in the FST, and led to reductions in body weight, changes in serum cytokine levels and p38 MAPK regulation within the hippocampus and hypothalamus. DMP904 blocked some of the neurochemical effects of IL-1β, but did not impact the behavioral measures, or serum cytokines. Thus, additional studies will be needed to determine whether CRF(1) antagonism is an effective treatment for cytokine-induced sickness. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Anxiety and Depression'.     

Genistein inhibits matrix metalloproteinase type 2 activation and prostate cancer cell invasion by blocking the transforming growth factor beta-mediated activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 2-27-kDa heat shock protein pathway

Genistein is a candidate cancer chemopreventive drug being tested in clinical trials. We have shown that genistein blocks prostate cancer (PCa) cell invasion, that p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase regulates activation of matrix metalloproteinase type 2 (MMP-2) and cell invasion, and that genistein prevents transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) from activating p38 MAP kinase. More recently, we identified MAP kinase-activated protein kinase 2 (MAPKAPK2) and the 27-kDa heat shock protein (HSP27) as downstream regulators of p38 MAP kinase. However, MAPKAPK2 and HSP27 can be regulated by factors other than p38 MAP kinase, and HSP27 is up-regulated during PCa progression. The current study was undertaken to examine the role of MAPKAPK2 and HSP27 in modulating genistein-mediated regulation of PCa cell invasion. Genistein inhibited TGFbeta-mediated phosphorylation of MAPKAPK2 and HSP27. Inhibitory effects by genistein upon cell signaling, inhibition of MMP-2, and inhibition of invasion were retained when both PC3 and PC3-M cells were transfected with either wild-type MAPKAPK2 or HSP27. However, transfection with dominant-negative MAPKAPK2 or nonphosphorylatable mutant HSP27 led to decreases in cell invasion and to abrogation of responsiveness to either TGFbeta-mediated increases or genistein-mediated decreases in MMP-2 and cell invasion. It is noteworthy that, after transfection with constitutive active MAPKAPK2 or with pseudophosphorylated HSP27, levels of MMP-2 activation and cell invasion were high and overcame any inhibitory effect of genistein. These findings demonstrate that genistein-mediated inhibition of cell invasion rests upon blocking activation of the MAPKAPK2-HSP27 pathway, and that its activation during cancer progression has the potential to mitigate therapeutic efficacy.     

吡格列酮对淀粉样β蛋白片段1-42引起的大鼠海马有丝分裂原激活蛋白激酶p38信号传导通路变化的影响

目的探讨吡格列酮(Pio)对淀粉样β蛋白片段1-42(Aβ1-42)所致大鼠海马损伤的保护作用及其作用机制。方法大鼠随机分为正常对照组,Aβ1-42损伤组,Aβ1-42+Pio20,40及80mg·kg-1组。d1与d2,Pio处理组大鼠灌胃给予Pio,正常对照组和Aβ1-42损伤组灌胃给予0.2%二甲亚砜。d2给药处理后,Aβ1-42损伤组及Pio处理组大鼠左侧脑室内单次注射Aβ1-425μL(2.0mmo·lL-1)制备大鼠痴呆模型,正常对照组注射等量生理盐水。继续给药6d,处死大鼠,取海马CA1区,Western蛋白印迹法观察磷酸化有丝分裂原激活蛋白激酶激酶3/6(MKK3/6)、磷酸化有丝分裂原激活蛋白激酶P38(p38MAPK)、磷酸化活化转录因子2(ATF-2),磷酸化有丝分裂原激活蛋白激酶活化的蛋白激酶2(MAPKAPK-2)和磷酸化热休克蛋白27(HSP27)的蛋白表达水平的改变。结果脑室内注射Aβ1-42可引起海马CA1区磷酸化的MKK3/6、磷酸化的p38MAPK和磷酸化的ATF-2表达明显增加,而磷酸化的MAPKAPK-2和磷酸化的HSP27表达明显降低。Pio可明显抑制Aβ1-42引起的磷酸化的MKK3/6、磷酸化的p38MAPK和磷酸化的ATF-2表达的增加;逆转Aβ1-42引起的磷酸化的MAPKAPK-2和磷酸化的HSP27表达降低的变化。结论Pio对Aβ1-42引起的海马神经损伤的保护作用可能与其抑制Aβ1-42引起的磷酸化p38MAPK信号传导通路的改变有关。     

甲氨蝶呤对炎性细胞因子及丝裂原活化蛋白激酶信号通路的影响

目的：探讨甲氨蝶呤（methotrexate,MTX）对类风湿关节炎（RA）发病起重要作用的炎性细胞因子IL-1β和TNF-α的作用及其可能的机制.方法：用Ⅱ型胶原建立类风湿关节炎（CIA）动物模型,以MTX（0.2 mg/kg/W）进行处理,6周后处死大鼠,取血清进行IL-1β和TNF-α检测;分离大鼠膝关节取关节滑膜细胞（FLS）进行培养、鉴定,检测脂多糖（LPS）诱导的FLS培养上清中IL-1β和TNF-α的含量,并观察MTX对FLS分泌IL-1β和TNF-α的影响;在FLS的培养中加入不同剂量的MTX,用Westen Blot方法检测FLS中ERK蛋白及磷酸化蛋白的表达.结果：关节炎指数评分、关节肿胀度测定及关节病理显示造模成功,分离关节滑膜细胞经流式细胞仪检测FLS的血管细胞黏附分子-1（VCAM-1）的表达为85.5％.造模后,CIA大鼠血清IL-1β和TNF-α明显增加,与空白对照组比较有统计学差异（P＜0.05）,MTX能有效减少CIA大鼠血清中IL-1β和TNF-α的含量（P＜0.05）,但未能恢复至正常水平.MTX能抑制LPS诱导的CIA大鼠关节FLS分泌IL-1β和TNF-α.Western Blot检测显示,不同浓度的MTX对CIA大鼠FLS中ERK蛋白的表达与模型对照组相比无统计学差异（P＞0.05）.CIA大鼠FLS中p-ERK蛋白的表达明显高于空白对照组（P＜0.01）,MTX干预后,低剂量组对p-ERK蛋白表达无明显影响,而中、高剂量组可降低p-ERK蛋白的表达（P＜0.05）.结论：MTX既有免疫抑制作用,同时还通过抑制炎性细胞因子IL-1β和TNF-α而具有抗炎作用,其机制可能部分与其抑制MAPK信号通路中的ERK蛋白磷酸化有关.     

Evodiamine induced human melanoma A375-S2 cell death partially through interleukin 1 mediated pathway

We have reported that caspase cascade accompanied by the regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 and MAPK signaling were involved in evodiamine-induced A375-S2 cell death. In this study, pretreatment with interleukin 1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) rescued the cell viability loss and reversed the ratio of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells induced by evodiamine. IL-1Ra was capable of attenuating the expression of Fas-ligand (Fas-L) and the cleavage of procaspas-8 and -3 caused by evodiamine. Subsequently, IL-1Ra reduced evodiamine-induced DNA degradation, p53 activation and up-regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. However, IL-1Ra attenuated the enhanced phosphorylation level of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) without affecting extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) inactivation induced by evodiamine. In conclusion, IL-1-induced death cascade in melanoma A375-S2 cell might be one of the targets for natural product evodiamine, and increased Fas-L expression via IL-1 mediated pathway stands at the initiation phase, leading to consequent events that culminate in the death of the cells.     

Cytokine regulation by MAPK activated kinase 2 in keratinocytes exposed to sulfur mustard

Uncontrolled inflammation contributes to cutaneous damage following exposure to the warfare agent bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide (sulfur mustard, SM). Activation of the p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) precedes SM-induced cytokine secretion in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs). This study examined the role of p38-regulated MAPK activated kinase 2 (MK2) during this process. Time course analysis studies using NHEK cells exposed to 200 μM SM demonstrated rapid MK2 activation via phosphorylation that occurred within 15 min. p38 activation was necessary for MK2 phosphorylation as determined by studies using the p38 inhibitor SB203580. To compare the role of p38 and MK2 during SM-induced cytokine secretion, small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting these proteins was utilized. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 secretion was evaluated 24 h postexposure, while mRNA changes were quantified after 8 h. TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 up regulation at the protein and mRNA level was observed following SM exposure. IL-1β secretion was also elevated despite unchanged mRNA levels. p38 knockdown reduced SM-induced secretion of all the cytokines examined, whereas significant reduction in SM-induced cytokine secretion was only observed with TNF-α and IL-6 following MK2 knockdown. Our observations demonstrate potential activation of other p38 targets in addition to MK2 during SM-induced cytokine secretion.