Mechanisms of the joint-protective effects of p38 MAPK inhibitors in rodent arthritis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The p38 kinases (p38) are proline-directed serine/threonine enzymes of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family. Although p38 participates in signaling cascades leading to joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the mechanisms of its actions in this process are not completely understood.

OBJECTIVE:

Elucidating the joint-protective mechanisms of p38 inhibitors in rodent models of RA may have implications in the design of p38-based therapies for this disease.

METHOD:

This review highlights the tissue- and cell-specific complex interactions between p38 and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSION:

This review provides evidence that p38α and TNF-α are key partners in RA, and that inhibition of this kinase should be effective in treating this disease.

• Authors: Gabriel Mbalaviele, Joseph B Monahan
• Journal: Expert opinion on drug discovery (Expert Opin Drug Discov) Vol. 3 Issue 2 Pg. 163-72 (Feb 2008) ISSN: 1746-0441 [Print] England
• PMID: 23480220 (Publication Type: Journal Article)