[Role of P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in expression of P-selectin on human umbilical vein endothelial cells].

Aim: To investigate the role of P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38MAPK) in expression of P-selectin on human umbilical vein endothelial cells and diabetic atherosclerosis.

Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cell line ECV304 were stimulated with high glucose, advanced glycosylation end products (AGE), high insulin and H(2)O(2) respectively, and then expression of phosphorylated-P38MAPK and P-selectin was detected after being pre-treated with SB203580 (P38MAPK specific inhibitor).

Results: High glucose, AGE, high insulin and H(2)O(2) could activate P38MAPK by oneself, and increased notably expression of phosphorylated-P38MAPK and P-selectin on cell line ECV304; Expression of P-selectin was inhibited significantly by SB203580.

Conclusion: P38MAPK can regulate the expression of P-selectin, P38MAPK is an upstream signaling molecule and also may be one of initial signals on atherosclerosis occurrence.