p38 MAPK inhibitors impair proinflammatory gene expression and effect of Dex on MKP-1. (A) Effect of SB (20 μM) and PD (20 μM) on LPS-mediated induction of TNF-α and IL-6 in control macrophages; n = 3; **P < .01 and *P < .02 compared with treatment group with LPS. Error bars indicate SEM. Effect of SB (20 μM) on LPS-mediated (B) phosphorylation of HSP27 and (C) induction of COX-2 for the indicated period of time in control macrophages. Representatives of 2 to 3 independent experiments.