p38 MAPK alpha mediates cytokine-induced IL-6 and MMP-3 expression in human cardiac fibroblasts

► The p38 MAPK signaling pathway regulates cardiac remodeling. ► Human cardiac fibroblasts express the α, γ and δ subtypes of p38 MAPK. ► IL-1 selectively stimulates p38α and p38γ activation. ► p38α is important for IL-1-induced IL-6 and MMP-3 expression in cardiac fibroblasts.