Age-induced augmentation of p38 MAPK phosphorylation in mouse lung.

The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway is a key regulator of pro-inflammatory cytokine biosynthesis, which may contribute to the chronic low-grade inflammation observed with aging. We hypothesize that aging up-regulates the activation of p38 MAPK as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in mouse lung, and is accompanied by disturbances in oxidant–antioxidant status. In addition, the elevated protein levels of phosphorylated active form of p38 MAPK (phospho-p38 MAPK) with age are tissue-specific.