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Published on: July 10, 2018
p38 MAPK regulates Th2 cytokines release in PBMCs in allergic rhinitis rats
Jie Liu1, Lisi Liu, Yonghua Cui
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China. LJ0901@163.com
Abstract:
Th2 cytokines play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis. To investigate the effect of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) on the production of Th2 cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-5 in allergic rhinitis, a model of allergic rhinitis was established in SD rats. The expression level of p38 MAPK mRNA in PBMCs was detected by means of real time quantitative RT-PCR. The p38 MAPK activity in PBMCs was detected by Western blotting. PBMCs were cultured with various concentrations of p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 239063 or without the treatment, and then IL-4, IL-5 levels of the supernatant were determined by using sandwich ELISA. The results showed that mRNA expression and activity of p38 MAPK in PBMCs were significantly higher in allergic rhinitis rats than in control rats (P<0.05). The p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 239063 decreased the production of IL-4 and IL-5 in a dose-dependent manner. It is concluded that p38 MAPK plays an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis which is associated with Th2 cytokines release.
Insights
p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is elevated in allergic rhinitis, driving the release of Th2 cytokines like IL-4 and IL-5. Inhibiting p38 MAPK reduces these key allergic response mediators.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathogenesis of Allergic Diseases
Background:
- Th2 cytokines are crucial in allergic rhinitis development.
- The role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in this process requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of p38 MAPK on Th2 cytokine production in an allergic rhinitis model.
- To assess the therapeutic potential of p38 MAPK inhibition.
Main Methods:
- Established an allergic rhinitis model in Sprague-Dawley rats.
- Quantified p38 MAPK mRNA expression and activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using RT-qPCR and Western blotting.
- Assessed IL-4 and IL-5 levels via ELISA after treating PBMCs with p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 239063.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher p38 MAPK mRNA expression and activity were observed in allergic rhinitis rats compared to controls (P<0.05).
- SB 239063 treatment resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in IL-4 and IL-5 production.
- These findings indicate a direct correlation between p38 MAPK activity and Th2 cytokine release.
Conclusions:
- p38 MAPK plays a significant role in allergic rhinitis pathogenesis.
- The pathway involving p38 MAPK and Th2 cytokine release presents a potential therapeutic target for allergic rhinitis treatment.
