On the other hand, MEK-Erk signaling pathway is involved in anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of α-MSH in a rat model of prolonged myocardial ischemia and reperfusion27; MEK-Erk1 or 2 pathway also mediates the interaction between the signaling pathways induced by α-MSH and leptin in both human embryonic kidney cells and brain microvessel endothelial cells24. The gene discussed is MAP2K7; the disease is myocardial ischemia.