Fig. 4

The AMPK/p38 MAPK pathway mediates the upregulation of CerS6 during stress. A-B RS induces phosphorylation of AMPK and p38 MAPK in the livers of rats (n = 4). Data were analysed by the unpaired t-test. ^* P < 0.05, ^** P < 0.01, compared to the control group. C-D CORT activates the AMPK/p38 MAPK pathway in hepatocytes in a time-dependent manner. Hepatocytes were treated with CORT (50 μM) or 0.5% alcohol (vehicle), ^* P < 0.05, compared to the vehicle group. E–F Inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway by SB203580 reversed the upregulation of CerS6 protein expression induced by CORT. Hepatocytes were incubated with SB203580 (10 μM) for 0.5 h and then incubated with serum-free medium containing CORT (50 μM) or 0.5% alcohol (vehicle) for 24 h. Data were analysed by the Mann–Whitney test or unpaired t-test. n = 3–4, ^* P < 0.05, compared to the vehicle group. ^## P < 0.01, compared to the CORT group