Role of p38 inhibition in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury.
The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38s) are Ser/Thr kinases that are activated as a result of cellular stresses and various pathological conditions, including myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. p38 activation has been shown to accentuate myocardial injury and impair cardiac function. Inhibition of p38 activation and its activity has been proposed to be cardioprotective by slowing the rate of myocardial damage and improving cardiac function. The growing body of evidence on the use of p38 inhibitors as therapeutic means for responding to heart problems is controversial, since both beneficial as well as a lack of protective effects on the heart have been reported. In this review, the outcomes from studies investigating the effect of p38 inhibitors on the heart in a wide range of study models, including in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models, are discussed. The correlations of experimental models with practical clinical usefulness, as well as the need for future studies regarding the use of p38 inhibitors, are also addressed.
Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand.
Sarawut
S
Kumphune
Siriporn
S
Chattipakorn
Nipon
N
Chattipakorn
D000818:Animals; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy; D015428:Myocardial Reperfusion Injury / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases