SPAK-p38 MAPK signal pathway modulates claudin-18 and barrier function of alveolar epithelium after hyperoxic exposure

Abstract

Hyperoxia up-regulates the SPAK-p38 MAPK signal pathway by ROS, which disrupts the TJ of the alveolar epithelium by suppressing the expression of claudin-18. The down-regulation of SPAK attenuates this process and protects the alveolar epithelium against the barrier dysfunction induced by hyperoxia.