Activation of mitogen activated protein kinases in post-infarcted patients.

Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling cascade are important pathophysiologic regulators during the development of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In present study, we designed to monitor the activity of these MAPKs in Iranian patients with AMI comparing with controls. The degree of activation (phosphorylation) of p38 kinase, p44/42 extracellular regulated kinase, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK1/2) and their corresponding activity levels were analyzed in 258 patients with AMI and 250 normal subjects. The expression of p38α mRNA was determined. These analysis were carried out immediately and 12 h after AMI. Activity of p38 and JNK1/2 MAPKs were significantly increased in patients with AMI than controls immediately after infarction. These activities were reduced during 12 h after AMI. However, there were no statistically differences in activation and activity of p44/42 in the patients and controls. The mRNA expression of p38α was increased in the patients comparing with controls. Results of this study indicate that these MAPKs signaling pathway might be activated by AMI which signal transduction involves kinase phosphorylation and play important roles in their activity. Elevated activity of p38 and JNK1/2 MAPKs suggests that they may potentially play significant roles in AMI.