Thrombin induces MCP-1 expression through Rho-kinase and subsequent p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway activation in vascular endothelial cells

► Thrombin induces MCP-1 expression via Rho-kinase activation in endothelial cells. ► Inhibition of Rho-kinase attenuates THP-1 monocyte migration toward endothelial cells. ► Rho-kinase inhibitor decreases MCP-1 gene expression in the aorta of db/db mice. ► Rho-kinase mediates MCP-1 induction by thrombin through NF-κB and p38MAPK activation.