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.     

Activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases and p38-mitogen-activated protein kinases in human heart failure secondary to ischaemic heart disease.

Three well-characterized mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) subfamilies are expressed in rodent and rabbit hearts, and are activated by pathophysiological stimuli. We have determined and compared the expression and activation of these MAPKs in donor and failing human hearts. The amount and activation of MAPKs was assessed in samples from the left ventricles of 4 unused donor hearts and 12 explanted hearts from patients with heart failure secondary to ischaemic heart disease. Total MAPKs or dually phosphorylated (activated) MAPKs were detected by Western blotting and MAPK activities were measured by in gel kinase assays. As in rat heart, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) were detected in human hearts as bands corresponding to 46 and 54 kDa; p38-MAPK(s) was detected as a band corresponding to approximately 40 kDa, and extracellularly regulated kinases, ERK1 and ERK2, were detected as 44- and 42-kDa bands respectively. The total amounts of 54 kDa JNK, p38-MAPK and ERK2 were similar in all samples, although 46-kDa JNK was reduced in the failing hearts. However, the mean activities of JNKs and p38-MAPK(s) were significantly higher in failing heart samples than in those from donor hearts (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in phosphorylated (activated) ERKs between the two groups. In conclusion, JNKs, p38-MAPK(s) and ERKs are expressed in the human heart and the activities of JNKs and p38-MAPK(s) were increased in heart failure secondary to ischaemic heart disease. These data indicate that JNKs and p38-MAPKs may be important in human cardiac pathology.     

Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and p90 ribosomal S6 kinase in failing human hearts with dilated cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: A new member of the MAP kinase family, big MAP kinase-1 (BMK1), has been recently identified to promote cell growth and attenuate apoptosis. P90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK), one of the potentially important substrates of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), regulates gene expression in part via phosphorylation of CREB and the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger. Recently, we have demonstrated that the activity of BMK1, Src (the upstream regulator of BMK1) and p90RSK was increased in hypertrophied myocardium induced by pressure-overload in the guinea pig. However, the abundance and activity of these kinases in human hearts are unknown. METHODS: In addition to the three classical MAP kinases (ERK, p38 kinase, and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK)), we examined the protein expression and activity of Src, BMK1, and p90RSK in explanted hearts from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (n=9). Normal donor hearts, which were not suitable for transplant for technical reasons, were used as controls (n=5). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the levels of protein expression of these kinases between normal and failing hearts. ERK1/2 and p90RSK were activated in heart failure compared to control (P<0.01 and P<0.03, respectively), while the activity of p38 kinase was decreased (P<0.05) and the activity of JNK was unchanged in heart failure. By contrast, the activities of Src and BMK1 were significantly reduced in end-stage heart failure compared to normal donor hearts (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that multiple MAP kinases, p90RSK, and Src are differentially regulated in human failing myocardium of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and may be involved in the pathogenesis of this complex disease.     

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.     

Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 2 by gonadotropin-releasing hormone

The aim of these studies was to identify the signaling mechanism(s) that contribute to GnRH-induced expression of MAPK phosphatase (MKP)-2, a dual specificity phosphatase that selectively inactivates MAPKs. GnRH receptor activation induced MKP-2 expression in both clonal (alphaT3-1) and primary gonadotropes. Activation of PKC isozymes was sufficient and required for MKP-2 induction. Inhibition of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) or c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) but not the p38 MAPK cascade was sufficient to block GnRH-induced MKP-2 expression. Induction of MKP-2 by GnRH was dependent on elevation in intracellular Ca(2+). Inhibition of Ca(2+) influx through L-type voltage-gated calcium channels blocked GnRH-induced MKP-2 expression. Depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores with thapsigargin blocked MKP-2 activation by GnRH independent of ERK and JNK activity. These results support the conclusion that MKP-2 induction by GnRH occurs via MAPK-dependent and -independent pathways. One mechanism requires GnRH-induced ERK and JNK activation, while a second MAPK-independent pathway requires a thapsigargin-sensitive calcium signal.     

Reactive oxygen species-mediated pancreatic beta-cell death is regulated by interactions between stress-activated protein kinases, p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatases

Pancreatic beta-cells are susceptible to reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are known to be generated by high or low glucose (LG), hypoxic, or cytokine-producing conditions. When we cultured mouse beta-cell-derived MIN6 cells in a LG condition, we detected a significant generation of ROS, including hydrogen peroxide, which was comparable to the ROS production in hypoxic or cytokine-treated conditions. ROS accumulation induced by the LG culture led to cell death, which was prevented by the ROS scavengers N-acetylcysteine and manganese(III)tetrakis(4-benzoic acid) porphyrin. We next investigated the mechanism of stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs), c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38, in ROS-induced MIN6 cell death. Activation of p38 occurred immediately after the LG culture, whereas JNK activation increased slowly 8 h later. Adenoviral p38 expression decreased MIN6 cell death, whereas the JNK expression increased it. Consistently, blocking p38 activation by inhibitors increased beta-cell death, whereas JNK inhibitors decreased it. We then examined the role of MAPK phosphatases (MKPs) specific for stress-activated protein kinases in beta-cell death. We found that MKP-1 presented an increase in its oxidized product after the LG culture. ROS scavengers prevented the appearance of this oxidized product and JNK activation. Thus, ROS-induced MKP inactivation causes sustained activation of JNK, which contributes to beta-cell death. Adenoviral overexpression of MKP-1 and MKP-7 prevented the phosphorylation of JNK at 36 h after the LG culture, and decreased MIN6 beta-cell death. We suggest that beta-cell death is regulated by interactions between JNK and its specific MKPs.     

The dual-specificity phosphatase MKP-1 limits the cardiac hypertrophic response in vitro and in vivo

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are important regulators of cell growth, proliferation, and stress responsiveness. A family of dual-specificity MAP kinase phosphatases (MKPs) act as critical counteracting factors that directly regulate the magnitude and duration of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation. Here we show that constitutive expression of MKP-1 in cultured primary cardiomyocytes using adenovirus-mediated gene transfer blocked the activation of p38, JNK1/2, and ERK1/2 and prevented agonist-induced hypertrophy. Transgenic mice expressing physiological levels of MKP-1 in the heart showed (1) no activation of p38, JNK1/2, or ERK1/2; (2) diminished developmental myocardial growth; and (3) attenuated hypertrophy in response to aortic banding and catecholamine infusion. These results provide further evidence implicating MAPK signaling factors as obligate regulators of cardiac growth and hypertrophy and demonstrate the importance of dual-specificity phosphatases as counterbalancing regulatory factors in the heart.     

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.     

Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases in human heart during cardiopulmonary bypass

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) have been shown to be activated in both in vitro and in vivo models of cardiac tissue in response to ischemia/reperfusion injury. We investigated whether MAPKs are activated in human heart during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. During elective CABG surgery of 8 patients, 3 right atrial appendage biopsies were obtained at baseline, at the end of cross-clamping, and after coronary reperfusion. The expression of the p38-MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) MAPKs was not altered during CABG. The phosphorylation and activation of both ERK1/2 and p38-MAPK were increased approximately 2-fold by ischemia and even more (8- and 4-fold, respectively) by reperfusion. Although the ischemic period did not result in a significant activation of JNK, an approximately 6-fold increase in JNK activity could be observed after reperfusion. In conclusion, distinct activation patterns of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK MAPKs can be observed in human heart during CABG.     

Dynamic regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines by MAPK phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) in innate immune responses

Engagement of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) on macrophages leads to activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which contribute to innate immune responses. MAPK activity is regulated negatively by MAPK phosphatases (MKPs). MKP-1, the founding member of this family of dual-specificity phosphatases, has been implicated in regulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS) responses, but its role in TLR-mediated immune responses in vivo has not been defined. Here, we show that mice deficient in MKP-1 were highly susceptible to endotoxic shock in vivo, associated with enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6 and an anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. We further examined the regulation and function of MKP-1 in macrophages, a major cell type involved in endotoxic shock. MKP-1 was transiently induced by TLR stimulation through pathways mediated by both myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and TIR domain-containing adaptor inducing IFN-beta (TRIF). MKP-1 deficiency led to sustained activation of p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in LPS-treated macrophages. In response to TLR signals, MKP-1-deficient macrophages produced 5- to 10-fold higher IL-10, which could be blocked by a p38 MAPK inhibitor. Thus, p38 MAPK plays a critical role in mediating IL-10 synthesis in TLR signaling. TNF-alpha was found to be more abundant in MKP-1-deficient macrophages within 2 hours of TLR stimulation, but its production was rapidly down-regulated by IL-10. Our studies demonstrate that MKP-1 attenuates the activities of p38 MAPK and JNK to regulate both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in TLR signaling. These results highlight the complex mechanisms by which the MAPKs regulate innate immunity.     

Overexpression of the dual-specificity phosphatase MKP-4/DUSP-9 protects against stress-induced insulin resistance

Insulin resistance, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes and obesity, is associated with increased activity of MAP and stress-activated protein (SAP) kinases, which results in decreased insulin signaling. Our goal was to investigate the role of MAP kinase phosphatase-4 (MKP-4) in modulating this process. We found that MKP-4 expression is up-regulated during adipocyte and myocyte differentiation in vitro and up-regulated during fasting in white adipose tissue in vivo. Overexpression of MKP-4 in 3T3-L1 cells inhibited ERK and JNK phosphorylation and, to a lesser extent, p38MAPK phosphorylation. As a result, the phosphorylation of IRS-1 serine 307 induced by anisomycin was abolished, leading to a sensitization of insulin signaling with recovery of insulin-stimulated IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation, IRS-1 docking with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and Akt phosphorylation. MKP-4 also reversed the effect of TNF-alpha to inhibit insulin signaling; alter IL-6, Glut1 and Glut4 expression; and inhibit insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Overexpression of MKP-4 in the liver of ob/ob mice decreased ERK and JNK phosphorylation, leading to a reduction in fed and fasted glycemia, improved glucose intolerance, decreased expression of gluconeogenic and lipogenic genes, and reduced hepatic steatosis. Thus, MKP-4 has a protective effect against the development of insulin resistance through its ability to dephosphorylate and inactivate crucial mediators of stress-induced insulin resistance, such as ERK and JNK, and increasing MKP-4 activity might provide a therapy for insulin-resistant disorders.     

Activated protein C,an anticoagulant polypeptide,ameliorates severe acute pancreatitis via regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases

Background Our aim was to investigate the changes of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) by activated protein C (APC) treatment in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), and relate them to changes in SAP severity, thus providing evidence for developing clinical therapies. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were given an intravenous injection of saline (SAP group), APC (50 μg/kg or 10 μg/kg), or CNI1493 just before SAP induction. One group of rats underwent a sham operation (control group). Experimental samples were harvested 16 h after SAP induction. The gene expression of pancreatic MAPKs was evaluated by cDNA microarrays. The mRNA and protein/phosphorylated protein levels of p38 MAPK, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) 1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and the protein levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β were determined in pancreatic tissue. The severity of disease was evaluated by pancreatic histology, the pancreatic wet/dry weight ratio, and the serum amylase level. Results In rats treated with APC (50 μg/kg) or CNI1493, the severity of pancreatitis and expression of pancreatic TNF-α and IL-1β proteins were attenuated by the decreased expression and activity of p38 MAPK and JNK (vs. the SAP group, P < 0.01). The expression and activity of ERK1/2 were increased in APC-treated rats, especially in the group treated with APC 50 μg/kg (vs. the SAP or CNI1493-treated group, P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusions Inhibition of expression of pancreatic p38 MAPK and JNK and upregulation of ERK1/2 expression by APC treatment may protect against pancreatic injury, thus ameliorating severity of the disease.     

Acid exposure activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in Barrett's esophagus

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To explore mechanisms whereby acid reflux might contribute to carcinogenesis in Barrett's esophagus (BE) we studied: (1) the effects of acid on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in a Barrett's adenocarcinoma cell line (SEG-1); and (2) the ability of acid to activate the MAPK pathways in vivo in patients with BE. METHODS: SEG-1 cells were exposed to acidic media for 3 minutes, and the activities of 3 MAPKs (ERK, p38, and JNK) were determined. Proliferation was assessed using flow cytometry; cell growth and apoptosis were assessed using cell counts and an apoptosis ELISA assay. MAPK activation was studied in biopsy specimens taken from patients with BE before and after esophageal perfusion for 3 minutes with 0.1N HCl. RESULTS: Acid-exposed SEG-1 cells exhibited a significant increase in proliferation and total cell numbers, and a significant decrease in apoptosis. These effects were preceded by a rapid increase in the activities of ERK and p38, and a delayed increase in JNK activity. PD 98059 abolished the acid-induced increase in G0/G1 and decrease in subG0 phases of the cell cycle. Both SB 203580 and DN-JNK 1/2 inhibited the acid-induced progression from G0/G1 to G2/M. The acid-induced decrease in apoptosis was abolished by inhibition of either ERK or p38. In the patients, acid exposure significantly increased the activity of p38 in the metaplastic epithelium. CONCLUSIONS: Acid increases proliferation and survival, and decreases apoptosis in SEG-1 cells by activating the MAPK pathways. Acid also activates the MAPK pathways in BE in vivo. These findings suggest that acid might contribute to carcinogenesis in BE through activation of MAPK pathways.     

Src and multiple MAP kinase activation in cardiac hypertrophy and congestive heart failure under chronic pressure-overload: comparison with acute mechanical stretch

Activation of members of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family and their downstream effectors has been proposed to play a key role in the pathogenesis of cell survival, ischaemic preconditioning, cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. This study investigated the responses of Src kinase and multiple MAP kinases during the transition from compensated pressure-overload hypertrophy to decompensated congestive heart failure. Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) 1/2, p38, and Src were activated by chronic pressure-overload and their activity was sustained for 8 weeks after aortic banding. In contrast, while p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (90RSK) and big MAP kinase 1 (BMK1) were activated in compensated hypertrophy, their activities were significantly decreased in hearts with heart failure. No changes were found in C-Jun NH2 terminal kinase (JNK) activity after aortic banding. These data suggest that differential activation of MAP kinase family members may contribute to the transition from compensated to decompensated hypertrophy. We also examined acute effects of mechanical stretch on the activation of these kinases in normal and hypertrophied hearts. In the isolated coronary-perfused heart, a balloon in the left ventricle was inflated to achieve minimum end-diastolic pressure of 25 mmHg for 10-20 min. In normal guinea pig hearts, stretch activated ERK1/2, p90RSK, p38, Src, and BMK1 but not JNK. However in hypertrophied hearts, further activation of these kinases was not observed by acute mechanical stretch. Mechanical stretch-induced activation of ERK1/2 and p38 kinase in normal hearts was attenuated significantly by a protein kinase C inhibitor, chelerythrine. We demonstrate that ERK1/2, p90RSK, p38, Src, and BMK1 are activated by chronic pressure-overload and by acute mechanical stretch. These data suggest that Src, BMK1 and p90RSK play a role as novel signal transduction pathways leading to cardiac hypertrophy. In addition, the differential inhibition of p90RSK and BMK1 in hearts with congestive heart failure suggests the specific role of these two kinases to maintain cardiac function under chronic pressure-overload.     

Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases in in vivo ischemia/reperfused myocardium in rats.

In this study, we investigate the in vivo activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) as important signal transduction cascades observed after myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. Myocardial continuous ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion was produced in Wistar rats. The activities of MAPKs in the ischemic and ischemia/reperfused regions were measured using an in-gel kinase assay, an in vitro kinase assay and Western blot analysis. Activator protein-1 (AP-1) DNA binding activity was determined using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. DNA fragmentation was detected as DNA ladders by agarose gel electrophoresis. The p46JNK and p55JNK activities of continuous ischemia were significantly increased at 30 min (5.9 and 4.2 fold, respectively P<0.05). Coronary reperfusion increased both p42ERK and p44ERK activities at 30 min (3.0 and 2.3 fold P<0.01), and both p46JNK and p55JNK activities at 30 min (1.4 and 1.7 fold P<0.05). The AP-1 DNA binding activities of continuous ischemia were significantly increased at 1, 3 and 7 days (28, 21 and 17 fold, respectively P<0.01). Coronary reperfusion markedly decreased AP-1 DNA binding activities at 1 (41%P<0.01) and 3 days (48%P<0.05). Myocardial DNA fragmentation was considerably more enhanced by reperfusion than continuous ischemia. In conclusion, our present work provides the first in vivo evidence that ERK and JNK are activated by reperfusion from the activities of continuous ischemia. These signal transduction mechanisms may be partially responsible for the myocardial injury.     

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.