P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase determines the susceptibility to cigarette smoke-induced emphysema in mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There is a need for agents that suppress inflammation and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) has been associated with this disorder, and several inhibitors of this cascade are in clinical trials for its treatment, but their efficacy and utility are unknown. This study evaluated the relationship between p38 MAPK activation and susceptibility to cigarette smoke (CS)-induced emphysema, and whether its inhibition ameliorated the lung inflammation and injury in murine models of cigarette smoke exposure.

Methods

In acute and chronic CS exposure, the activation and expression of p38 MAPK in the lungs, as well as lung inflammation and injury (proteinase production, apoptosis, and oxidative DNA damage), wer

SUBMITTER: Marumo S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4024315 | biostudies-literature | 2014 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature