Regulation of Hsp60 and the role of MK2 in a new model of severe experimental pancreatitis

MK2 plays a pivotal role in regulating signal transduction pathways of cytokines. It has been shown that induction and expression of several Heat shock proteins (HSPs) can protect against pancreatitis. Little is known about regulation and potential protective effects of Hsp60. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of MK2 and the regulation of HSP60 in the pathogenesis of a new model of severe acute pancreatitis (AP). To elucidate the role of MK2, mice with a homozygous deletion of the MK2 gene were used (MK2 -/-). Severe AP was induced by combined i.p. injections of cerulein with LPS. Severity…