p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor protects the epidermis against the acute damaging effects of ultraviolet irradiation by blocking apoptosis and inflammatory responses.
The primary function of the epidermis is to provide a protective barrier against numerous environmental insults, including ultraviolet radiation (UVR). UVR, particularly in the UVB spectrum, is a potent carcinogen known to damage DNA directly or through the generation of free radicals. Although in the long term, protective measures such as apoptosis and inflammation may prove beneficial in safeguarding the epidermis against the propagation of potentially tumorigenic cells, after high-dose UV irradiation these biologic events may be acutely detrimental to the architectural and functional integrity of the tissue owing to rampant cell death and inflammatory responses, which can culminate in epidermal erosion and consequently loss of barrier functions. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is known to be activated by UVR and herein we identify p38 MAPK as a key modulator of these physiologic events. Mice treated with the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 are protected against several detrimental effects of acute UV irradiation, namely, sunburn cell/apoptosis, inflammation, and a hyperproliferation response. Based on our results, selectively blocking p38 activation with the SB202190 inhibitor could prove beneficial in treating victims from severe sunburn or exposure to other chemical agents known to trigger the p38 pathway.
Hildesheim
Jeffrey
J
Gene Response Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda Maryland, USA.
Awwad
Rania T
RT
Fornace
Albert J
AJ
D000208:Acute Disease; D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004817:Epidermis / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism; D011725:Pyridines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013471:Sunburn / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D007093:Imidazoles; D011725:Pyridines; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; C090942:4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)imidazole