Gene/Protein
Disease
Symptom
Drug
Enzyme
Compound
Pivot Concepts:
Gene/Protein
Disease
Symptom
Drug
Enzyme
Compound
Target Concepts:
Gene/Protein
Disease
Symptom
Drug
Enzyme
Compound
Query: EC:2.7.11.24 (
mitogen-activated protein kinase
)
95,810
document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)
p38
MAPK
is activated during heart diseases that might associate with myocardial damage and deterioration of cardiac function. In a rat model of myocardial injury, we have investigated cardioprotective effects of the inhibition of p38
MAPK
using a novel, orally available p38alpha
MAPK
inhibitor. Rats were treated with N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 40 mg.kg(-1).day(-1)) in drinking water plus 1% salt for 14 days and ANG II (0.5 mg.kg(-1).day(-1)) for 3 days. A selective p38alpha
MAPK
inhibitor, SD-282 (60 mg/kg), was administrated orally, twice a day for 4 days, starting 1 day before ANG II administration. The cardioprotective effects of p38alpha
MAPK
inhibition were evaluated by improvement of cardiac function, reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. SD-282 significantly improved cardiac function indicated by increasing stroke volume, cardiac output, ejection fraction, and stroke work and significantly decreasing arterial elastance. SD-282 also significantly reduced macrophage infiltration as judged by reduction of a specific marker, ED-1-positive staining cells (P < 0.05) in the myocardium. Furthermore, cardiomyocyte apoptosis as indicated by caspase-3 immunohistochemical staining was abolished by SD-282, and this effect may contribute to the reduction of myocardial damage evaluated by imaging analysis (P < 0.05 in both cases). Data suggest that p38alpha
MAPK
may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of cardiac dysfunction. Inhibition of p38alpha
MAPK
may be used as a novel cardioprotective strategy in attenuation of inflammatory response and deterioration of cardiac function that occurs in acute
cardiovascular disease
such as myocardial infarction.
...
PMID:Selective inhibition of p38alpha MAPK improves cardiac function and reduces myocardial apoptosis in rat model of myocardial injury. 1675 Dec 95
Modulation of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (K(Ca)) has been implicated in the control of proliferation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and other cell types. In the present study, we investigated the underlying signal transduction mechanisms leading to mitogen-induced alterations in the expression pattern of intermediate-conductance K(Ca) in VSMC. Regulation of expression of IK(Ca)/rK(Ca)3.1 and BK(Ca)/rK(Ca)1.1 in A7r5 cells, a cell line derived from rat aortic VSMC, was investigated by patch-clamp technique, quantitative RT-PCR, immunoblotting procedures, and siRNA strategy.PDGF stimulation for 2 and 48 h induced an 11- and 3.5-fold increase in rK(Ca)3.1 transcript levels resulting in a four- and seven-fold increase in IK(Ca) currents after 4 and 48 h, respectively. Upregulation of rK(Ca)3.1 transcript levels and channel function required phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (
ERK1
/2) and Ca(2+) mobilization, but not activation of p38-
MAP kinase
, c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase, protein kinase C, calcium-calmodulin kinase II and Src kinases. In contrast to rK(Ca)3.1, mRNA expression and functions of BK(Ca)/rK(Ca)1.1 were decreased by half following mitogenic stimulation. Downregulation of rK(Ca)1.1 did not require
ERK1
/2 phosphorylation or Ca(2+) mobilization. In an in vitro-proliferation assay, knockdown of rK(Ca)3.1 expression by siRNA completely abolished functional IK(Ca) channels and mitogenesis. Mitogen-induced upregulation of rK(Ca)3.1 expression is mediated via activation of the Raf/MEK- and ERK-signaling cascade in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. Upregulation of rK(Ca)3.1 promotes VSMC proliferation and may thus represent a pharmacological target in
cardiovascular disease
states characterized by abnormal cell proliferation.
...
PMID:Mitogenic modulation of Ca2+ -activated K+ channels in proliferating A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells. 1677 Mar 24
We recently reported that soy isoflavones increase gene expression of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) and antioxidant defense enzymes, resulting in improved endothelial function and lower blood pressure in vivo. In this study, we establish that equol (1-100 nM) causes acute endothelium- and nitric oxide (NO)-dependent relaxation of aortic rings and rapidly (2 min) activates eNOS in human aortic and umbilical vein endothelial cells. Intracellular Ca2+ and cyclic AMP levels were unaffected by treatment (100 nM, 2 min) with equol, daidzein, or genistein. Rapid phosphorylation of
ERK1
/2, protein kinase B/Akt, and eNOS serine 1177 by equol was paralleled by association of eNOS with heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and NO synthesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, expressing estrogen receptors (ER)alpha and ERbeta. Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and
ERK1
/2 inhibited eNOS activity, whereas pertussis toxin and the ER antagonists ICI 182,750 and tamoxifen had negligible effects. Our findings provide the first evidence that nutritionally relevant plasma concentrations of equol (and other soy protein isoflavones) rapidly stimulate phosphorylation of
ERK1
/2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, leading to the activation of NOS and increased NO production at resting cytosolic Ca2+ levels. Identification of the nongenomic mechanisms by which equol mediates vascular relaxation provides a basis for evaluating potential benefits of equol in the treatment of postmenopausal women and patients at risk of
cardiovascular disease
.
...
PMID:The isoflavone Equol mediates rapid vascular relaxation: Ca2+-independent activation of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase/Hsp90 involving ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation in human endothelial cells. 1684 Jul 83
Peroxynitrite is thought to contribute to the progression of many diseases including
cardiovascular disease
, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. We report that pre-treatment of fibroblasts with the citrus flavanone, hesperetin, prior to peroxynitrite exposure protects against peroxynitrite-mediated cytotoxicity. This protection was partially mediated by the intracellular scavenging of peroxynitrite by hesperetin as exposure of fibroblasts to peroxynitrite following hesperetin loading led to the formation of two intracellular nitro-hesperetin derivatives. In addition, protection appeared to be mediated by hesperetin-induced changes in
MAP kinase
signalling. Exposure of fibroblasts to hesperetin led to concentration-dependent increases in the phosphorylation of
ERK1
/2 and was observed to restore peroxynitrite-mediated decreases in
ERK1
/2 phosphorylation. We propose that the protective potential of hesperetin in fibroblasts may be mediated both by intracellular scavenging of peroxynitrite and by modulation of fibroblast signalling.
...
PMID:Modulation of peroxynitrite-induced fibroblast injury by hesperetin: a role for intracellular scavenging and modulation of ERK signalling. 1685 66
The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) are members of the
mitogen-activated protein kinase
(
MAPK
) family. In mammalian genomes, three genes encode the JNK family. To evaluate JNK function, mice have been created with deletions in one or more of three Jnk genes. Initial studies on jnk1(-/-) or jnk2(-/-) mice have shown roles for these JNKs in the immune system whereas studies on jnk3(-/-) mice have highlighted roles for JNK3 in the nervous system. Further studies have highlighted the contributions of JNK1 and/or JNK2 to a range of biological and pathological processes. These include bone remodelling and joint disease, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, obesity, diabetes,
cardiovascular disease
, liver disease and tumorigenesis in addition to effects in neurons. These results emphasise the differences in the roles played by JNK isoforms in vivo and suggest that the design of JNK inhibitors for subsequent therapeutic uses may benefit from selective inhibition of individual JNK isoforms.
...
PMID:The isoform-specific functions of the c-Jun N-terminal Kinases (JNKs): differences revealed by gene targeting. 1693 64
In endothelial cells (EC), celecoxib inhibits expression of tissue factor (TF), a key protein for initiation and propagation of thrombus formation. The current study was designed to examine the effect of celecoxib on TF expression and activity in VSMC. In contrast to EC, celecoxib increased TNF-alpha-induced TF expression and surface activity in VSMC by 33% and 20%, respectively, as compared to TNF-alpha alone, while rofecoxib or NS-398 had no effect. Celecoxib increased p38 MAP kinase (p38), p44/42
MAP kinase
(ERK), and p70S6 kinase (p70S6K) phosphorylation while leaving
JNK
activation unaffected. Simultaneous inhibition of p38 and ERK reduced TNF-alpha-induced TF expression by 59%, while inhibition of
JNK
with SP600125 did not affect TF expression. Thus, in contrast to endothelial cells, celecoxib does not inhibit TF expression in VSMC, but instead enhances it. As neither rofecoxib nor NS-398 affected TF expression, this effect does not seem to be related to COX-2 inhibition but rather appears to be mediated by an increase in p38, ERK, and p70S6K activation. The observation that the inhibiting effect of celecoxib on endothelial TF expression does not extend to VSMC may have important implications for patients with
cardiovascular disease
.
...
PMID:Differential effect of celecoxib on tissue factor expression in human endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. 1694 34
We have previously reported that estrogens up-regulate longevity-associated genes. As recent evidence has shown that estrogen replacement therapy is associated with an increased risk of
cardiovascular disease
, we have studied the effects of genistein, a soy isoflavone with a similar structure to estradiol, on the expression of antioxidant, longevity-related genes. MCF-7 cells (human mammary gland tumor cell line) were incubated for 48 h with 0.5 microM genistein, a concentration found in the plasma of populations consuming diets rich in soy protein. Peroxide levels were determined by fluorimetry, activation of extracellular-signal regulated kinase (
ERK1
/2), and nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB)-signaling pathways by Western blot analysis and ELISA, respectively, and mRNA expression of antioxidant genes by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Inhibition of basal peroxide levels in MCF-7 cells by genistein was prevented by pretreatment of cells with the estrogen receptor antagonist tamoxifen. Phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 led to an activation of NFkappaB, as indicated by increased p50 subunit expression in nuclear extracts, and increased mRNA levels of the antioxidant enzyme manganese-superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Inhibition of
ERK1
/2 abrogated genistein-mediated NFkappaB activation and elevated expression of MnSOD. Our molecular studies may provide a basis to determine the effects of genistein and other soy protein-derived products on longevity in both animals and the human population.
...
PMID:Genistein, a soy isoflavone, up-regulates expression of antioxidant genes: involvement of estrogen receptors, ERK1/2, and NFkappaB. 1696 88
Endothelial cell dysfunction and apoptosis are critical in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (
CVD
). Both endothelial cell apoptosis and atherosclerosis are reduced by high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Low HDL levels increase the risk of
CVD
and are also a key characteristic of the metabolic syndrome. The apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) allele also increases the risk of atherosclerosis and
CVD
. We previously demonstrated that the antiapoptotic activity of HDL is inhibited by APOE4 very-low-density lipoprotein (APOE4-VLDL) in endothelial cells, an effect similar to reducing the levels of HDL. Here we establish the intracellular mechanism by which APOE4-VLDL inhibits the antiapoptotic pathway activated by HDL. We show that APOE4-VLDL diminishes the phosphorylation of Akt by HDL but does not alter phosphorylation of
c-Jun N-terminal kinase
, p38, or Src family kinases by HDL. Furthermore APOE4-VLDL inhibits Akt phosphorylation by reducing the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase product phosphatidylinositol-(3,4,5)-triphosphate (PI[3,4,5]P3). We further demonstrate that APOE4-VLDL reduces PI(3,4,5)P3, through the phosphoinositol phosphatase SHIP2, and not through PTEN. SHIP2 is already implicated as an independent risk factor for type II diabetes, hypertension and obesity, which are also all components of the metabolic syndrome and independent risk factors for
CVD
. Significantly, the association between
CVD
and type 2 diabetes or hypertension is further increased by the APOE4 allele. Therefore the activation of SHIP2 by APOE4-VLDL, with the subsequent inhibition of the HDL/Akt pathway, is a novel and significant biological mechanism and may be a critical intermediate by which APOE4 increases the risk of atherosclerotic
CVD
.
...
PMID:APOE4-VLDL inhibits the HDL-activated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt Pathway via the phosphoinositol phosphatase SHIP2. 1697 5
Reconstituted high-density lipoprotein (rHDL) has been shown to produce a rapid regression of atherosclerosis in animal models and humans. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), which is a bioactive lipid in HDL, plays a role in mitogenesis, endothelial cell motility, and cell survival, as well as organization and differentiation into a vessel. In this study, we examined the direct role of a newly developed rHDL, [POPC(1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine)/S1P/apolipoproteinA-I(A-I)]rHDL containing S1P in tube formation in endothelial cells (ECs) as well as cholesterol efflux in macrophage. The effect of (POPC/S1P/A-I)rHDL on cholesterol efflux in macrophage was similar to that of conventional rHDL, (POPC/A-I)rHDL. In addition, (POPC/S1P/A-I)rHDL induced EC proliferation through the activation of phospho-Akt and phospho-extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (p-ERK) 1/2 and EC tube formation, and this effect was blocked by inhibitors of Akt, ERK and endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS). In addition, (POPC/S1P/A-I)rHDL-induced p-
ERK1
/2 activation and EC tube formation can be mainly attributed to S1P-stimulated signaling through S1P2 and S1P3 as determined by an anti-sense strategy. In conclusion, (POPC/S1P/A-I)rHDL induces cholesterol efflux independently of S1P but has additional S1P-mediated effects on EC tube formation mediated by Akt/ERK/NO through S1P2 and S1P3. In the future, these new discs may be useful for the treatment of atherosclerotic and ischemic
cardiovascular disease
, such as acute coronary syndrome and atherosclerosis obliterans.
...
PMID:Newly developed reconstituted high-density lipoprotein containing sphingosine-1-phosphate induces endothelial tube formation. 1711 70
The question is whether bedtime insulin, one of the standard therapy regimens of type 2 diabetes, can be more atherogenic than daytime insulin. There is no study to answer this question. However, pharmacokinetics of drugs and physiopathology of type 2 diabetes are considered, we can assume that daytime OAD plus bedtime insulin therapy might be more atherogenic than daytime insulin plus bedtime OAD therapy. The rationale for combination therapy is based on the assumption that, if evening insulin lowers the fasting glucose concentration to normal, then daytime oral agents will be more effective in controlling postprandial hyperglycemia. However, exogenous insulin administration is not a convenient way to inhibit hepatic glucose production which determines fasting plasma glucose because in post absorptive period, hepatic glucose production is determined by high glucagon and low insulin levels. In postprandial period, beta cell-originated insulin inhibits glucagon synthesis by paracrine effect and also inhibits hepatic glucose production by using half of its concentration that administered to portal system. Since half of insulin that found in portal system is exposed to hepatic clearance to inhibit hepatic glucose production, portal insulin concentration is 2-4-folds higher than peripheral insulin concentration. But, exogenous insulin neither inhibits glucagon synthesis via paracrine effect, nor reaches desired portal concentrations because it has a short half-life and in opposition to physiologic states it is not administered to the portal system. On the contrary, its peripheral concentration is higher than portal one. Thus, exogenous insulin that is used to inhibit hepatic glucose production requires higher concentrations than physiologic values. Eventually, peripheral hyperinsulinemic state which is a risk factor of
CVD
is created iatrogenically. Bearing in mind that PI3K pathway, working synchronously with the diurnal rhythm of other metabolic hormones, is more active during daytime especially in postprandial period when aminoacids and glucose exist in the environment, and that decreased insulin response in PI3K pathway in diabetics, we may propose iatrogenically created hyperinsulinemia can cause more atherogenic effects via
MAPK
pathway. For that reason, using OAD instead of bedtime insulin may be a more convenient way to inhibit hepatic glucose production. Thus, glucagon synthesis inhibition can be achieved via paracrine effect of OAD-induced insulin secretion, as well as required portal insulin concentration can be reached by the direct secretion of insulin to the portal system. Moreover, lower peripheral hyperinsulinemia state can be provided.
...
PMID:Is daytime insulin more physiologic and less atherogenic than bedtime insulin? 1714 38
<< Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Next >>