重症急性胰腺炎大鼠丝裂原活化蛋白激酶信号转导通路的动态变化

目的：阐明重症急性胰腺炎时大鼠胰腺及肺脏组织丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)信号转导通路的变化规律。方法：以胰胆管逆行注射5％牛磺胆酸钠建立大鼠重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)模型，将SD大鼠56只随机分为对照组(即造模前)、造模后0．5、1、3、6、12和24h共7组，采用Western blot法检测胰腺及肺脏组织p38MAPK、c-Jun氨基末端激酶(JNK)活性变化。结果：对照组能检测到p38MAPK的基础活性，而检测不到JNK活性。造模后，胰腺组织的p38MAPK活性明显增高，至3h达到高峰，而肺脏组织的p38MAPK活性在6h达到高峰，两者在24h点处的p38MAPK活性仍高于基础值，而JNK的活性仅在12h点处有增高，24h点已检测不到JNK活性。结论：MAPK信号转导通路，特别是p38MAPK是重症急性胰腺炎发病过程中的重要信号转导通路。     

Dynamic changes of mitogen‐activated protein kinase signal transduction in rats with severe acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the dynamic changes of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: The SAP model was induced by infusing the bilio‐pancreatic duct of 56 Sprague‐Dawley rats with 5% sterile sodium taurocholate solution. The rats were randomly divided into seven groups: control group, 0.5 h postoperative group, 1 h group, 3 h group, 6 h group, 12 h group and 24 h group. Western blot analysis was used to determine the activities of p38 MAPK and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) in the pancreas and lungs. RESULTS: In the rats of the control group, basal p38MAPK activity could be detected but not that of JNK. After SAP was induced, the p38MAPK activity in the pancreas increased markedly and peaked at 3 h, but in the lung it peaked at 6 h. The p38MAPK activity in the pancreas and lungs was significantly higher than the basal activity at the 24 h time point. The activity of JNK was only increased at the 12 h point and was not detectable at 24 h. CONCLUSION: The MAPK signal transduction pathway, in particular p38MAPK, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of SAP.     

丝裂原活化蛋白激酶在动脉粥样硬化中作用的相关性研究

动脉粥样硬化(AS)是动脉的慢性炎性疾病。AS由炎症引发血管内皮细胞活化,包括释放细胞因子,粘附分子,基质金属蛋白酶和其它调节炎性介质(包括NO),导致血管内皮细胞功能紊乱和损伤,这是早期AS泡沫细胞形成的关键因素之一。丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPKs)是调控炎症和抗炎反应重要的信号通路。激活的MAPKs,特别是ERK、JNK和p38 MAPKs,参与调节粘附分子和基质金属蛋白酶的表达。靶向给予ERK,JNK和p38 MAPKs信号通路抑制剂,其临床前研究数据表明它们有抗炎活性。因此,MAPKs的特异性抑制剂有望成为一种新的减轻动脉粥样化形成的治疗方法。     

Components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade are activated in hepatic cells by Echinococcus multilocularis metacestode

AIM： To explore the effect of Echinococcusmultilocularis on the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signaling pathways and on livercell proliferation.METHODS： Changes in the phosphorylation of MAPKs and proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA）expression were measured in the liver of patients withalveolar echinococcosis （AE）. MAPKs, MEK1/2 [MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase （ERK）kinase] and ribosomal S6 kinase （RSK） phosphorylationwere detected in primary cultures of rat hepatocytesin contact in vitro with （1） E. multilocu/aris vesicle fluid（EmF）, （2）E. multilocularis-conditioned medium （EmCM）.RESULTS： In the liver of AE patients, ERK 1/2 andp38 MAPK were activated and PCNA expression wasincreased, especially in the vicinity of the metacestode.Upon exposure to EmF, p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase（JNK） and ERK1/2 were also activated in hepatocytesin vitro, as well as MEK1/2 and RSK, in the absenceof any toxic effect. Upon exposure to EmCM, only JNKwas up-regulated.CONCLUSION： Previous studies have demonstratedan influence of the host on the MAPK cascade inE. multilocularis. Our data suggest that the reverse,i.e. parasite-derived signals efficiently acting onMAPK signaling pathways in host liver ceils, is actuallyoperating.     

Expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1, a negative regulator of the mitogen-activated protein kinases, in rheumatoid arthritis: up-regulation by interleukin-1beta and glucocorticoids

OBJECTIVE: Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are activated by proinflammatory stimuli. MAPK phosphatases (MKPs), in particular MKP-1, have been identified as endogenous negative regulators of MAPK activation. Since MAPKs are known to be important in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synoviocyte activation, this study assessed the expression, regulation, and function of MKP-1 in RA. METHODS: MKP-1 expression was measured by Western blotting (WB) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) were treated with interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor alpha, fetal calf serum, and dexamethasone. Expression of MAPKs in RA FLS was analyzed by WB using phosphospecific antibodies, while IL-6 expression was assessed by real-time PCR. RESULTS: MKP-1 protein and messenger RNA were detected in cultured RA FLS. IL-1beta rapidly up-regulated MKP-1, coinciding with reciprocal down-regulation of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Dexamethasone rapidly and sustainably up-regulated MKP-1, and this also coincided with down-regulation of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK phosphorylation. In addition, dexamethasone augmented IL-1beta-induced up-regulation of MKP-1, and this was associated with inhibition of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK phosphorylation and IL-6 expression. Dexamethasone had no effect on the phosphorylation of upstream kinases such as MEKK-3/6. In the presence of glucocorticoid (GC) receptor antagonist RU 486, the dexamethasone-mediated up-regulation of MKP-1 was impaired. Moreover, inhibition of MKP-1 expression impaired dexamethasone-mediated inhibition of MAPK phosphorylation. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the expression of MKP-1 in RA FLS. Cytokine and GC regulation of MKP-1 may be important in determining the magnitude of the inflammatory response in RA that is mediated via MAPKs. The effects of GCs in RA may be mediated, in part, via GC receptor-dependent up-regulation of MKP-1.     

CNI—1493对重症急性胰腺炎大鼠外周血多形核粒细胞功能的影响

目的：探讨p38MAPK信号传导通路阻断剂（CNI－1493）对大鼠重症急性胰腺炎（severe acute pancreatitis SAP)时外周血多形核粒细胞（polymorphonuclear,PMN)功能影响，方法：以胰胆管逆行注射5％牛磺胆酸钠建立SD大鼠SAP模型，将54只SD大鼠随机分为3组：假手术组（SO,n=18)；SAP组（SAPn=18）；CNI－1493治疗组（CNI，n＝18），术后3h,6h,12h取血，用密度梯度法分离PMN，用流式细胞仪测定呼吸爆发功能，并测定PMN释放髓过氧化物酶（MPO）的变化情况。结果：SAP组PMN呼吸爆发亢进，MPO释放明显增加，在各时间点上CNI－1493都能抑制PMN的功能亢进，减少MPO的释放，结论：CNI－1493可以明显抑制SAP时PMN的病理性功能亢进，是治疗SAP的重要机制之一，提示可能具有临床应用的前景。     

Melatonin reduces stress-activated/mitogen-activated protein kinases in spinal cord injury

Abstract:  Permanent functional deficits following spinal cord injury (SCI) arise from both mechanical injury and from secondary tissue reactions involving inflammation. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play a critical role in cell signaling and gene expression. MAPK family includes three major members: extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), representing three different signaling cascades. Moreover, various studies have clearly shown that high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is implicated as a putative danger signal involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory conditions including autoimmunity, cancer, trauma and hemorrhagic shock, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Recently, we have reported that the pineal secretory product melatonin exerts important anti-inflammatory effects in an experimental model of SCI induced by the application of vascular clips (force of 24 g) to the dura after a four-level T5–T8 laminectomy. However, no reports are available on the effect of melatonin on MAPK signaling pathways and HMGB1 expression in SCI. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the melatonin protective effect observed in SCI is related to the regulation of MAPK signaling pathways and HMGB1 in mice. In this study we demonstrate the efficacy of treatment with the melatonin in SCI in mice in reducing (a) motor recovery, (b) activation of MAPKs p38, JNK and ERK1/2, (c) tumor necrosis factor-α expression, and (d) expression of HMGB1. We propose that melatonin's ability to reduce SCI in mice is also related to a reduction in MAPK signaling pathways and HMGB1 expression.     

美托洛尔下调CaMKIIδC-p38通路对异丙肾上腺素诱导心力衰竭的保护机制

目的研究美托洛尔下调CaMKIIδC—p38通路对异丙肾上腺素诱导心力衰竭的保护机制。方法40只SD大鼠随机分成四组，正常对照组（Control）、异丙肾上腺组（Iso）、异丙肾上腺＋美托洛尔组（Iso＋Meto）和美托洛尔组（Meto），每组10只，所有动物均自由进食进水。（1）Iso组大鼠背部皮下注射Iso5my／（kg·d），连续10d；对照组背部皮下注射相同体积的生理盐水；Iso＋Meto组大鼠背部皮下注射Iso5mg／（kg·d）．连续10d，在背部皮下注射Iso前1天开始Meto10mg／（kg·d）灌胃，连续4固；Meto组给予10mg／（kg·d），连续4周灌胃；（2）所有大鼠饲养4周后，采用MillarP-V Loop导管经颈动脉插管至左心室，使用Powerlab生理记录系统测量血流动力学相关指标；统计各组大鼠心脏重量和心脏重量／体重比值；（3）TUNEL法和Caspase-3活性检测心肌细胞凋亡；（4）ELISA分析CAMKII活性；（5）Westernblot检测CaMKIl8、p-CaMKIIδ、CaMKIIδC和MAPKs家族（p-38、JNK、ERK）、和凋亡相关基因Bcl-2／Bax的蛋白表达水平。结果40只sD大鼠实验过程精神状态好，进食进水正常，无呼吸困难及水肿。（1）Iso和Meto干预SD大鼠心脏重塑和血流动力学指标有显著改变，与Control组相比．Iso组心脏重量和心脏重量指数明显增加（P〈0．05）；而Iso＋Meto组心脏重量和心脏重量指数明显低于Iso组（P〈0．05）；大鼠体重、肝重和肺重四组间也无明显差异。大鼠血流动力学指标心率（HR）、平均动脉血压（MBP）和亢事舒张末压（LVEDP）Iso组明显高于Control组；但左室压力变化速率（LV±dp/dt max）Iso组明显低于Control组（P〈0．05）；而Iso＋Meto组HR、MBP和LVEDP明显低于Iso组（P〈0．05），但Iso＋Meto组±dp／dtmax明显高于Iso组（P〈0．05）；（2）Iso组SD大鼠心肌细胞TUNEL阳性细胞数和Caspase-3活性明显高于Control组（P〈0．05）；Western杂?     

Remote vs. ischaemic preconditioning: the differential role of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways

AIMS: Since mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were found to be implicated in the signalling of ischaemic preconditioning (IPC), we tested the hypothesis of a contribution of these protein kinases to remote preconditioning (RPC). METHODS AND RESULTS: To determine the role of p38, ERK1/2, and JNK1/2 MAPKs in mediating cardiac protection, an in vivo model of myocardial infarction was applied in male Wistar rats. RPC or IPC was induced by occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery or the left coronary artery, respectively. Infarct size (IS) was determined based on 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Phosphorylation of the various MAPKs was analysed by immunoblotting in samples of the small intestine and myocardium obtained after IPC or RPC procedures. The MAPK inhibitors SB203580 (p38), PD98059 (ERK1/2), and SP600125 (JNK1/2) were administered to assess the potential significance of MAPK signalling in RPC. Both preconditioning stimuli decreased myocardial IS significantly after a lethal period of ischaemia. Each of the applied MAPK inhibitors was capable of abrogating the RPC-induced cardioprotection. Western blot analysis of myocardial samples revealed an increase in phosphorylated amounts of ERK1/2 and JNK1 after IPC, whereas phosphorylation of p38 protein was decreased significantly. Likewise, RPC resulted in a considerable increase in phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 proteins in the small intestine, whereas it did not alter the MAPK phosphorylation state in the myocardium. CONCLUSION: All investigated MAPK pathways appear to be involved in RPC-induced cardioprotection; however, they do not contribute to the alterations that define the preconditioned state of the myocardium prior to the infarction.     

软脂酸通过丝裂原活化蛋白激酶通路促进血管内皮细胞凋亡

目的探讨软脂酸(PA)诱导的血管内皮细胞凋亡中丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)通路的作用。方法将人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC)分对照组、PA组、MAPK通路干预组[分别先用p38抑制剂SB203580、氨基末端激酶(JNK)抑制剂PD98059、细胞外信号调节激酶(ERK)抑制剂SP600125干预]再分为PA+SB组、PA+PD组、PA+SP组。流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡率;Western blot法检测caspase-3、磷酸化p38、JNK和ERK1/2表达水平;分光光度法检测caspase-3的活性。结果与对照组比较,PA组、PA+SB组、PA+PD组、PA+SP组HUVEC凋亡及caspase-3表达和活性明显增加,PA组磷酸化p38MAPK表达明显增加(P<0.05)。与PA组比较,PA+SB组HUVEC细胞凋亡率、caspase-3表达和活性明显降低(P<0.05);而PA+PD组和PA+SP组HUVEC凋亡率、caspase-3表达和活性无明显变化(P>0.05)。结论 PA通过p38MAPK通路促进内皮细胞凋亡。     

Reciprocal modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 and 2 in failing human myocardium

BACKGROUND: Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), consisting of the ERK1/2, JNKs, and p38-kinase families, play a key role in the regulation of myocyte growth and apoptosis in vitro. The activity of MAPKs is regulated by dual-specificity MAPK phosphatases (MKPs). Because myocardial failure is associated with myocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis, MAPKs may play a pathophysiologic role in human myocardial failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: We measured MAPKs activities and the protein levels of MAPKs and MKPs (MKP-1 and MKP-2) in the myocardium explanted at the time of transplantation from patients with end-stage failure caused by idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 5-7). Nonfailing donor hearts (n = 5-7) were used for comparison. Although the protein levels for JNK1/2 and p38-kinase in failing hearts were not different from levels in nonfailing hearts, the activities of both were decreased (P <.05). Despite a >3-fold increase in the protein level for ERK1/2 in failing hearts, ERK1/2 activity was not increased. Expression of MKP-2 was significantly increased in failing hearts, while expression of MKP-1 was increased in 5 of 7 failing hearts as measured by Western analysis. CONCLUSIONS: JNK1/2 and p38 activities are decreased in failing human myocardium. Increased expression of MKPs may therefore contribute to decreased MAPKs activity in failing human myocardium.     

Possible contributions of reactive oxygen species and mitogen-activated protein kinase to renal injury in aldosterone/salt-induced hypertensive rats

Studies were performed to test the hypothesis that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) contribute to the pathogenesis of aldosterone/salt-induced renal injury. Rats were given 1% NaCl to drink and were treated with one of the following combinations for 6 weeks: vehicle (0.5% ethanol, SC, n=6); aldosterone (0.75 microg/H, SC, n=8); aldosterone plus a selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist; eplerenone (0.125% in chow, n=8); aldosterone plus an antioxidant; and tempol (3 mmol/L in drinking solution, n=8). The activities of MAPKs, including extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)1/2, c-Jun-NH2-terminal kinases (JNK), p38MAPK, and big-MAPK-1 (BMK1) in renal cortical tissues were measured by Western blot analysis. Aldosterone-infused rats showed higher systolic blood pressure (165+/-5 mm Hg) and urinary excretion of protein (106+/-24 mg/d) than vehicle-infused rats (118+/-3 mm Hg and 10+/-3 mg/d). Renal cortical mRNA expression of p22phox, Nox-4, and gp91phox, measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction, was increased in aldosterone-infused rats by 2.3, 4.3, and 3.0-fold, respectively. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) content in renal cortex was also higher in aldosterone (0.23+/-0.02) than vehicle-infused rats (0.09+/-0.01 nmol/mg protein). ERK1/2, JNK, and BMK1 activities were significantly elevated in aldosterone-infused rats by 3.3, 2.3, and 3.0-fold, respectively, whereas p38MAPK activity was not changed. Concurrent administration of eplerenone or tempol to aldosterone-infused rats prevented the development of hypertension (127+/-2 and 125+/-5 mm Hg), and the elevations of urinary excretion of protein (10+/-2 and 9+/-2 mg/day) or TBARS contents (0.08+/-0.01 and 0.11+/-0.01 nmol/mg protein). Furthermore, eplerenone and tempol treatments normalized the activities of ERK1/2, JNK, and BMK1. These data suggest that ROS and MAPK play a role in the progression of renal injury induced by chronic elevations in aldosterone.     

Stage-specific differential activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases in hypertrophied and failing rat hearts

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are involved in the early development of cardiac hypertrophy, but their roles in chronic left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) are unclear. We studied the angiotensin (Ang) II-induced cardiac MAPK activation of the hypertensive Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats in the subacute developing LVH stage, the chronic compensated LVH stage, and the congestive heart failure (CHF) stage. In the isolated, coronary-perfused heart preparation, Ang II infusion (1x10(-6)mol/l) activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38-MAPK in the LV myocardium. No substantial differences were observed in the Ang II-induced ERK activation between the normotensive control DS rats and the hypertensive DS rats in either stage. In contrast, the Ang II-induced activation of JNK and p38-MAPK was augmented in the subacute LVH stage of the hypertensive DS rats, but then progressively attenuated in the chronic LVH and CHF stages. Chronic treatment with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, temocapril (20 mg/kg/day), ameliorated the responsiveness of the JNK/p38-MAPK activation, suggesting that the decreased JNK/p38-MAPK activation is a consequence of negative feedback regulation for the activated cardiac renin-angiotensin system in chronic LVH and CHF. Thus, the Ang II-induced activation of multiple cardiac MAPK pathways are differentially regulated, depending on the stages of chronic hypertrophic process. The JNK and p38-MAPK activation may be involved in the early development of adaptive LVH. However, the responsiveness of the cardiac JNK/p38-MAPK pathways progressively decreased in chronic LVH and CHF under the chronic activation of tissue renin-angiotensin system.     

Inhibition of stress-activated MAP kinases induces clinical improvement in moderate to severe Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: We investigated if inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) was beneficial in Crohn's disease. METHODS: Inhibition of JNK and p38 MAPK activation with CNI-1493, a guanylhydrazone, was tested in vitro. Twelve patients with severe Crohn's disease (mean baseline, CDAI 380) were randomly assigned to receive either 8 or 25 mg/m(2) CNI-1493 daily for 12 days. Clinical endpoints included safety, Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, and the Crohn's Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity. RESULTS: Colonic biopsies displayed enhanced JNK and p38 MAPK activation. CNI-1493 inhibition of both JNK and p38 phosphorylation was observed in vitro. Treatment resulted in diminished JNK phosphorylation and tumor necrosis factor production as well as significant clinical benefit and rapid endoscopic ulcer healing. No serious adverse events were noted. A CDAI decrease of 120 at week 4 (P = 0.005) and 146.5 at week 8 (P = 0.005) was observed. A clinical response was seen in 67% of patients at 4 weeks and 58% at 8 weeks. Clinical remission was observed in 25% of patients at week 4 and 42% at week 8. Endoscopic improvement occurred in all but 1 patient. Response was seen in 3 of 6 infliximab failures, 2 of whom showed remission. Fistulae healing occurred in 4 of 5 patients, and steroids were tapered in 89% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory MAPKs are critically involved in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease and their inhibition provides a novel therapeutic strategy.     

慢性低氧对肺动脉高压大鼠肺血管ERK 1/2、p38MAPK表达的影响

目的：通过建立慢性低氧性肺动脉高压大鼠模型,研究慢性低氧对大鼠肺血管细胞外信号调节蛋白激酶(ERK1/2)、p38MAPK蛋白表达的影响。方法建立慢性常压低氧肺动脉高压大鼠模型,将雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组、低氧1d、3d、7d、14d和21d组,应用免疫组织化学技术检测肺动脉高压形成过程中大鼠肺血管 ERK1/2、p38MAPK 蛋白表达水平。结果①RVSP 和 RV/(LV+S)比值较正常对照组明显增加(P<0.05),低氧后3 d、7 d、14 d和21 d后大鼠肺血管明显增厚;②ERK1/2、p38MAPK蛋白广泛分布于肺血管内皮细胞、平滑肌细胞和成纤维细胞中,且随着低氧时间的延长,ERK1/2、p38MAPK蛋白表达量增加。结论 ERK1/2、p38MAPK 蛋白表达量的上调可能参与了慢性低氧诱导的大鼠肺动脉高压肺血管重塑的发生、发展过程。     

Expression of mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphatase 1, a negative regulator of the mitogen‐activated protein kinases,in rheumatoid arthritis: Up‐regulation by interleukin‐1β and glucocorticoids

Objective

Mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are activated by proinflammatory stimuli. MAPK phosphatases (MKPs), in particular MKP‐1, have been identified as endogenous negative regulators of MAPK activation. Since MAPKs are known to be important in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synoviocyte activation, this study assessed the expression, regulation, and function of MKP‐1 in RA.

Methods

MKP‐1 expression was measured by Western blotting (WB) and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RA fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) were treated with interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), tumor necrosis factor α, fetal calf serum, and dexamethasone. Expression of MAPKs in RA FLS was analyzed by WB using phosphospecific antibodies, while IL‐6 expression was assessed by real‐time PCR.

Results

MKP‐1 protein and messenger RNA were detected in cultured RA FLS. IL‐1β rapidly up‐regulated MKP‐1, coinciding with reciprocal down‐regulation of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Dexamethasone rapidly and sustainably up‐regulated MKP‐1, and this also coincided with down‐regulation of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK phosphorylation. In addition, dexamethasone augmented IL‐1β–induced up‐regulation of MKP‐1, and this was associated with inhibition of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK phosphorylation and IL‐6 expression. Dexamethasone had no effect on the phosphorylation of upstream kinases such as MEKK‐3/6. In the presence of glucocorticoid (GC) receptor antagonist RU 486, the dexamethasone‐mediated up‐regulation of MKP‐1 was impaired. Moreover, inhibition of MKP‐1 expression impaired dexamethasone‐mediated inhibition of MAPK phosphorylation.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the expression of MKP‐1 in RA FLS. Cytokine and GC regulation of MKP‐1 may be important in determining the magnitude of the inflammatory response in RA that is mediated via MAPKs. The effects of GCs in RA may be mediated, in part, via GC receptor–dependent up‐regulation of MKP‐1.

     

Reactive oxygen species activate mitogen-activated protein kinases in pancreatic acinar cells

It has been recently reported that kinases that belong to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family are rapidly activated by cholecystokinin (CCK) in rat pancreas both in vitro and in vivo. It is known that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis induced by supraphysiologic stimulation with CCK analogue, cerulein. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether MAPKs are activated by ROS in pancreatic acini. The activity of MAPK, c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAPK was determined in isolated rat pancreatic acinar cells by means of Western blotting, with the use of specific antibody that recognizes active, dually phosphorylated kinases. Incubation of acini with ROS donors, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and/or menadione (MND), strongly activated all three kinases. Activation of these kinases by ROS, but not by CCK, was substantially inhibited by pretreatment of acini with antioxidant N-acetylo-L-cysteine (NAC). Whereas CCK-induced activation of MAPK or JNK was totally or partially blocked by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF-109203X, ROS-induced activation of MAPK, JNK, and p38 MAPK was PKC independent. In conclusion, ROS strongly activate MAPK, JNK, and p38 MAPK in pancreatic acinar cells. It may be of importance in acute pancreatitis, because ROS are involved in the pathogenesis of this disease.