Role of MAP kinase activation in interleukin-8 production by human BEAS-2B bronchial epithelial cells submitted to cyclic stretch

Overstretching the airways during positive pressure mechanical ventilation or attacks of acute severe asthma is associated with important biologic responses. Interleukin ((IL)-8-dependent neutrophil recruitment seems to play a critical role in the process of mechanical stress-induced airway inflammation. Herein, we show that human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells submitted to cyclic stretch in vitro produce IL-8, at both the mRNA and protein levels. This cellular stress "turns on" activator protein (AP)-1 and cyclic AMP (cAMP)-responding elements. The mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases (MAPK) p44/42, SAPK/INK, and p38 were all rapidly activated (phosphorylated) after the initiation of the cyclic strain (5-10 min). The blockade of p38 with the pharmacologic inhibitor SB203580 abrogated IL-8 production by cell stretching, and an inhibitor of the p44/42 pathway, PD98059, partially inhibited the IL-8 response. A nonspecific tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein, also blocked the stretch-induced IL-8 production. This suggests that MAPK, and p38 in particular, are proximal and key intracellular signaling molecules mediating cell activation in response to cyclic stretch, a mechanical strain similar to that applied to lung epithelial cells during mechanical ventilation. Pharmacologic inhibition of the p38 pathway holds promise as a new therapeutic avenue in ventilated patients.