Cross-talk between MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling and G protein-couple signaling in synoviocytes of collagen-induced arthritis rats / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

ABSTRACT

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Signaling pathways that regulate the production of cytokines and destructive enzymes have been implicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. There are co-relations between signaling pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate interactions and cross-talks between MEK1/2-extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK1/2) signaling and G protein-couple signaling in synoviocytes of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats by the stimulation of interleukin-1 (IL-1), U0126, isoprenaline hydrochloride and aminophylline respectively.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were induced by chicken type II collagen. Synoviocytes of CIA rats were isolated and cultured. The expressions of Gi, phosphorylated MEK1/2 (p-MEK1/2) and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) were detected by Western blotting. cAMP level and protein kinase A (PKA) activity were measured by radioimmunoassay and kinase-glo luminescent kinase assay respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was remarkable inflammation in CIA rats accompanied by swelling paws, hyperplastic synovium, pannus and cartilage erosion. cAMP level and PKA activity of synoviocytes decreased. Gi, p-ERK1/2 and p-MEK1/2 increased. rIL-1alpha improved the expression of Gi, p-ERK1/2 and p-MEK1/2. cAMP and PKA increased with stimulation of rIL-1alpha. U0126 inhibited Gi, cAMP and PKA of synoviocytes stimulated by rIL-1alpha. Isoprenaline hydrochloride enhanced Gi, cAMP and PKA, but had no effects on p-MEK1/2 and p-ERK1/2. Aminophylline increased cAMP and PKA, but inhibited p-MEK1/2 and p-ERK1/2.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and G protein-couple signaling are associated with synovitis. There are cross talks between MAPKs and G protein-couple signaling. The two signaling pathways represent potential therapeutic targets for RA.</p>