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Abstract
p38 is a mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase with structural and functional characteristics
that distinguish it from JNK and ERK MAP kinases. p38 activity is upregulated when
cells are exposed to a variety of stimuli including bacterial pathogens, proinflammatory
cytokines, certain growth factors, and other forms of environmental stress. By regulating
downstream substrates that include protein kinases and transcription factors, p38
participates in transmission, amplification, and diversification of the extracellular
signal, initiating several different cellular responses. Studies have revealed that
activation of p38 pathway is related to many pathological changes that occur in the
course of inflammatory/immunologic and cardiovascular diseases.