Objective To investigate the role of p38MAPK signaling pathway in advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) induced expressions of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).   Methods Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were cultured and then co-incubated with AOPP (200

400 μmol/L) for different time with or without the pretreatment of specific p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580. Western blot was used to detect the expression of phosphorylated p38MAPK.   Results The expression of phosphorylated p38MAPK was increased after AOPP treatment and reached the highest level 4 h after stimulation

then decreased. The expression of MCP-1 was down-regulated with the pretreatment of SB203580 as compared with that in the AOPP group (P0.01).   Conclusion AOPP stimulates MCP-1 expression in VSMCs and contributes to the formation of atherosclerosis through this proinflammatory effect that is mediated at least in part through the activation of p38MAPK signaling pathway.