Serum heat shock protein and anti-heat shock protein antibody levels in aging

We have previously reported the presence of Hsp60 and Hsp70 in the peripheral circulation of normal individuals. Given that the capacity to generate stress proteins declines with age, this study measured Hsp60 and Hsp70 levels in the sera of 60 individuals aged between 20 and 96 years. Levels of anti-human Hsp60, anti-human Hsp70 and anti-mycobacterial Hsp65 antibody were also measured. Senieur-approximated elderly subjects were well and randomly selected from the Belfast Elderly Longitudinal Free-living Aging STudy (BELFAST). Samples from younger individuals were obtained from the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service. Hsp60, anti-Hsp60, anti-Hsp70 and anti-mycobacterial Hsp65 antibodies were detected in all samples, whereas Hsp70 was detectable in only 46 of the samples analysed (77%). Regression analysis revealed a progressive decline in Hsp60 (759ng/ml < 40 years; 294ng/ml > or = 90 years) and Hsp70 (400ng/ml < 40 years; 20ng/ml > or = 90 years) levels with age whereas no relationship was apparent for anti-Hsp60 and Hsp65 antibody levels. Hsp70 antibody levels tended to increase with age (115U/ml < 40 years; 191U/ml > or = 90 years). This study in Senieur-approximated subjects demonstrates an apparent decrease in Hsp60 and Hsp70 with increasing age that does not appear to be related to anti-heat shock protein antibody status. These findings support in vitro work that demonstrates an age-related reduced ability to respond to stress. Further studies are required to understand the basis for declining serum Hsp60 and Hsp70 levels in aging and to elucidate their origin and role in the maintenance of homeostasis and resistance to environmental challenges.     

Serum levels of anti heat shock protein 70 antibodies in patients with stable and unstable angina pectoris

BACKGROUND: The heat shock protein (HSP) family comprises approximately 24 proteins displaying a high degree of sequence homology between different species. The induction of self-HSP immune reactivity is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Antibodies to HSP60/65 have been demonstrated in the sera of patients with coronary artery disease. Moreover, the target antigens of the antibodies HSP60 and HSP70 are both expressed in smooth muscle cells and macrophages within atherosclerotic lesions. In this retrospective, case control study, we investigated whether patients with established atherosclerosis, with either stable or unstable angina have high levels of antibodies to HSP70. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with stable angina (n = 40) were from the outpatient clinic whereas patients with unstable angina (n = 91) were recruited upon admission and prior to performance of coronary angiography. Control patients (n = 18) were healthy subjects with no evidence of coronary artery disease. Serum levels of anti-HSP70 antibodies were assayed by ELISA. Patients with stable and unstable angina exhibited lower serum levels of antibodies to HSP70 (0.202+/-0.113 and 0.201+/-0.115, respectively) in comparison to control subjects (0.364+/-0.199, P = 0.0001 for both comparisons). Serum levels of antibodies to HSP70 did not differ significantly between patients with stable and unstable angina. No differences in serum levels of antibodies to HSP70 were evident between baseline and follow up in the patients with unstable angina. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with coronary atherosclerosis possess lower levels of anti-HSP70 antibody levels. Further research is required to explore whether higher levels of anti-HSP70 antibodies have a predictive value in coronary atherosclerosis.     

人热休克蛋白60及其抗体与冠心病的关系

人热休克蛋白60及其抗体是冠心病的危险因素,与冠心病已建立的其他危险因素也可能存在一定的关系,并且血清中人热休克蛋白60及其抗体水平与冠状动脉病变程度相关。降低血清中人热休克蛋白60及其抗体为冠心病的治疗提供新的手段,并为冠心病患者预后提供新的依据。     

Persistence of Chlamydia pneumoniae in degenerative aortic valve stenosis indicated by heat shock protein 60 homologues

BACKGROUND AND AIMS OF THE STUDY: Based on the concept of chronic persistent infections with Chlamydia pneumoniae among variable stressors for aortic valve degeneration, the study aim was to assess the presence of chlamydial heat shock protein (cHSP) 60 and its human homologue (hHSP60) in diseased valvular tissue. METHODS: Surgical specimens of high-grade stenosed, native (n = 33) and bioprosthetic (n = 10) aortic valves were examined immunohistochemically for the localization of cHSP60, hHSP60 and macrophages (CD68), supplemented by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and electron microscopy to prove microbial presence. RESULTS: Degenerated valves showed specific immunostaining of cHSP60 in 27 cases (65%), of hHSP60 in 26 (63%), and of CD68 in 36 (84%). Both HSP60 homologues were predominantly detected in valvular fibrosa, consistently co-localized with macrophages and, quantitatively, showed a strong correlation (r = 0.81, p < 0.001). Presence of C. pneumoniae was demonstrated by PCR in a subset of 11 of 18 valves (61%). Microbial persistence was confirmed by ultrastructural analysis. Degenerated prosthetic valves revealed markedly higher macrophage infiltration and cHSP60 signaling compared with degenerated native valves (each p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Beyond detection of C. pneumoniae, the present data on co-localization and valvular predilection sites (fibrosa) of both HSP60 homologues indicate the presence of chronic persistent C. pneumoniae infection as well as regional stressor effects, and suggest their involvement in native and prosthetic valve degeneration.     

Circulating heat shock protein and heat shock protein antibody levels in established hypertension

OBJECTIVE: Serum Hsp60 and anti-Hsp65 antibody levels are raised in subjects with borderline hypertension, and there is an association between circulating Hsp60 levels and early atherosclerosis. Given the recognized relationship between hypertension and atherosclerosis, this study determined heat shock protein and heat shock protein antibody levels in subjects with established hypertension. METHODS: Samples from 111 men with hypertension were obtained from the European Lacidipine study on Atherosclerosis and samples from 75 normotensive controls were taken from a population-screening programme (diastolic pressure, 95 and 80 mmHg, respectively). Hsp60, Hsp70 and anti-human Hsp60, anti-human Hsp70 and anti-mycobacterial Hsp65 antibody levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Intima-media thickness (I-M) and the presence of carotid atherosclerosis were determined by ultrasonography. RESULTS: Hsp60, Hsp70 and anti-Hsp60 antibody levels in hypertension were similar to those in normotensive controls, whereas anti-Hsp70 and anti-Hsp65 antibody levels were elevated ( 0.001). Hsp60 levels and atherosclerosis were not associated. Anti-Hsp70 and anti-Hsp65 antibody levels were both associated with hypertension, independently of age, smoking habits and blood lipids. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates elevated levels of selected heat shock protein antibodies in subjects with hypertension. Although the association between heat shock protein antibody levels and human cardiovascular stress/disease appears to be robust, the relationship of the latter with heat shock protein levels is more complex. Further studies are required before the factors inducing, and the clinical significance of, circulating heat shock proteins can be evaluated.     

Effect of zinc supplementation on serum antibody titers to heat shock protein 27 in patients with thalassemia major

Objective

This current study was conducted to determine the effect of zinc supplementation on antibody titers to heat shock protein 27 (anti-HSP27) in patients with beta-thalassemia major (β-TM).

Methods

This was a double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted at Dr Sheikh Hospital (Mashhad, Iran) from 2011 to 2012. Sixty-four patients (41 females and 23 males), aged between 8 and 18 years with transfusion-dependent β-TM were randomly allocated to two age- and sex-matched groups. The zinc (case) group received 30 mg of daily zinc sulfate supplementation and the placebo (control) group received same shape and color placebo over 9 months period of the trial. Serum anti-HSP27 titers were measured at the third and ninth months of the trial, using an in-house enzyme-linked immune-absorbent assay.

Result

There was a significant difference in anti-HSP27 titers, between the groups after 9 months. The baseline value of anti-HSP27 was 0.44 ± 0.15 in zinc group and were significantly decreased to 0.40 ± 0.18 after 9 months on treatment, while the baseline value of anti-HSP27 were significantly increased from 0.43 ± 0.17 to 0.44 ± 0.18 in the placebo group (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Serum anti-HSP27 titers were significantly reduced in patients with β-TM treated with zinc supplements compared to a group treated with a placebo. It suggests that the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of zinc supplements may account for a reduction in anti-HSP27 titers in patients with β-TM.     

热休克蛋白60及重组热休克蛋白60对U937细胞IL-6分泌量的影响

目的观察重组热休克蛋白60（hsp60）对U937细胞分泌细胞因子IL-6的影响。方法对幽门螺杆菌标准株26695的基因进行定点突变,利用重叠延伸PCR法使1398和1399位点的AG突变为GC,获得重组hsp60基因片段并构建原核表达质粒pEASY-E1-rhsp60,经IPTG诱导在大肠杆菌表达突变型rhsp60,将50、100、200μg／mL的rhsp60（rhsp60组）、hsp60（hsp60组）分别与U937细胞共培养,于12、18、24h收集上清液,ELISA法检测上清中细胞因子IL-6水平,设PBS对照组。结果rhsp60组、hsp60组IL-6分泌水平均明显高于对照组（P均〈0．05）,且同时点同浓度下rhsp60组IL-6分泌水平明显高于hsp60组（P均〈0．05）,IL-6的分泌随着蛋白刺激浓度的升高而增高。结论rhsp60与hsp60皆可促进U937细胞分泌IL-6,胃癌来源的rhsp60使IL-6分泌量更多。     

Identification of heat shock protein hsp70 homologues in chloroplasts.

Cytoplasmic members of the heat shock protein hsp70 family have recently been implicated in the transport of proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. In addition, other hsp70 homologues have been found in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria and, at least for the endoplasmic reticulum hsp70 homologue, may be involved in the proper folding and assembly of newly transported proteins. Since chloroplasts are an important site of protein transport in plant cells, we were interested in determining whether hsp70 proteins might be located in this organelle. By using immunoblotting techniques and two antibody preparations against hsp70 proteins, we have identified three chloroplastic proteins of approximately 70 kDa that are related to hsp70 proteins. One of these proteins was tightly associated with the outer envelope membrane and was not exposed at the outer surface of the chloroplasts. The other two were soluble proteins located in the stroma. Steady-state levels of the chloroplastic hsp70 homologues did not change after heat stress nor were any additional hsp70 homologues detected in chloroplasts isolated from heat-stressed plants. We discuss the possible functions of these hsp70 homologues in the transport of proteins into and within chloroplasts.     

肠化胃黏膜病变组织HSP60的表达与幽门螺杆菌感染的相关性

目的:探讨HSP60在肠化胃黏膜组织中的表达及与H pylori感染之间的关系.方法:对171例肠化胃黏膜组织其中I型肠化54例、Ⅱ型肠化76例、Ⅲ型肠化41例,对照组浅表性胃炎40例,胃癌49例,采用SP免疫组织化学技术进行胃黏膜HSP60的检测,用ELISA,H pylori IgG抗体检测及H pylori-DNA PCR方法进行H pylori感染情况的判定.结果:HSP60在肠化胃黏膜组织中的表达主要为中等强度阳性,Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ型肠化胃黏膜组织的阳性率分别为35.19%,51.32%,75.61%,过表达率分别为1.9%,3.9%和19.5%;浅表性胃炎组织中的表达多为弱阳性或中等强度阳性,阳性表达率为30.00%,与浅表性胃炎相比肠化胃黏膜组织中HSP60的表达显著增加(P＜0.01);HSP60在胃癌组织的表达以强阳性和中等强度阳性为主,阳性表达率为73.47%,过表达率为34.69%,明显高于Ⅰ,Ⅱ型肠化胃黏膜组织中的表达,与Ⅲ型肠化胃黏膜组织相比差异不显著(P＞0.05),肠化胃黏膜组织的Hpylori感染和HSP60表达有明显的相关性(r=-0.191,P=0.012)结论:HSP60的过度表达发生在胃黏膜病变的进展过程中;肠化胃黏膜组织中H pylori感染和HSP60表达有明显的相关性.     

热休克蛋白60在扩张型心肌病中的意义

目的探讨心肌组织中热休克蛋白60(HSP60)在扩张型心肌病(DCM)发生、发展中的作用。方法应用免疫组化方法检测15例DCM患者及10例对照者心肌组织中HSP60的表达和分布。结果DCM患者心肌组织中HSP60的表达较对照组明显增加(P<0.05),而且发现HSP60阳性细胞主要局限于心肌纤维的连接区域。结论DCM患者心肌组织中HSP60的过高表达,可能与DCM的发生发展有关。     

Immunity to heat shock protein 65--an additional determinant in intimal thickening

Inflammation occurring consequent to vessel injury is thought to play an important role in atherosclerosis and restenosis. Autoimmunity to HSP65 has been shown to accelerate early atherogenesis in rabbits and mice, whereas in humans epidemiological data support this contention. In the current study, we explored the possibility of HSP65 influencing the extent of neointimal growth in the rat carotid injury model. Rats were either immunized with recombinant mycobacterial HSP65, heat killed preparation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT), or with PBS, all emulsified in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Animals were boosted with a similar protocol 3 weeks following the primary immunization and 2 weeks later carotid injury was applied in all animals by balloon inflation. Upon sacrifice 2 weeks later, sera were obtained for measurement of anti-HSP65 antibodies by ELISA, splenocytes were assessed for proliferative response to in vitro priming with HSP65, and carotid arteries were removed for evaluation of neointimal growth. Rats immunized with HSP65 exhibited a brisk and sustained humoral immune response to HSP65, and cellular immunity was also evident by thymidine uptake to splenocytes primed with the respective protein. Neointimal/medial ratio was significantly increased in HSP65 immunized rats, in comparison with MT injected and control animals. In conclusion, immunity to HSP65 can play a role in accelerating restenosis following arterial injury. These results should be further investigated in humans as they may provide a possible link between infections and restenosis/accelerated arteriosclerosis.     

可溶性热休克蛋白60与动脉粥样硬化的相关性及药物干预的实验研究

目的:探讨可溶性热休克蛋白60(sHSP60)与实验大鼠主动脉粥样硬化的关系及药物对其影响。方法:建立大鼠动脉粥样硬化模型,随机分为对照组、高脂组、血脂康组及阿司匹林组,并对其血脂水平、血清sHSP60进行检测,应用苏木精-伊红及油红O染色观察各组血管形态学变化。结果:血脂康组血脂水平较高脂组及阿司匹林组明显降低,阿司匹林组sHSP60水平较高脂组及血脂康组明显下降;血脂康组和阿司匹林组血管脂质沉积较高脂组减少。结论:sHSP60可能是与血脂水平无关的动脉粥样硬化预测因子;血脂康、阿司匹林均可有效减少血管壁脂质沉积。     

The expression of heat shock protein 60 in patients with dilated cardiomyophathy

Objective: Heat shock proteins (hsps) have been shown to be important antigens in a number of autoimmune diseases. We have previously shown the presence of autoantibodies against hsp60 in a high proportion of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This study set out to investigate the expression of hsp60 in the myocardium of 30 patients with DCM and a control group of 30 normal donors. Design: The expression of hsp60 was quantitated at the protein and mRNA level by Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively, and its distribution was investigated by immunocytochemistry. Results: Quantitation of hsp60 showed a 5-fold increase in the DCM hearts over that in the donor hearts. By immunocytochemistry 13 patients with DCM showed increased positive staining localised to the connective tissue. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis of hsp60 showed a significantly increased amount of hsp60 at the mRNA level in the DCM hearts than in the controls. Conclusions: These results unequivocally demonstrate a raised level of expression of endogenous hsp60 in the myocardium of patients with DCM. The increased expression of hsp60 in the myocardium of patients with DCM may render such cells susceptible to react with circulating autoantibodies to hsp60 and hsp65 found in a high proportion of patients with this disease. Received: 15 July 1998, Returned for revision: 10 September 1998, Revision received: 30 September 1998, Accepted: 16 October 1998     

Circulating heat shock protein 60 is associated with early cardiovascular disease

The phylogenetically conserved nature of heat shock proteins (Hsp) has led to the proposition that they may provide a link between infection and the inflammatory component to vascular disease. Hypertension is associated with atherosclerosis. Here, we measured circulating heat shock protein and heat shock protein antibody levels in association with borderline hypertension. Seventy-two men with borderline hypertension patients and 75 normotensive control subjects (diastolic blood pressure 85 to 94 and <80 mm Hg, respectively) were selected from a population-screening program. The levels of Hsp60; Hsp70; and anti-human Hsp60, anti-human Hsp70, and anti-mycobacterial Hsp65 antibodies were determined with enzyme immunoassay. The presence of carotid atherosclerosis and the intima-media thickness values were determined with ultrasonography. A major novel observation in this report was the detection of circulating Hsp60, which was present at a significantly enhanced level in patients with borderline hypertension. Furthermore, serum Hsp60 was associated with intima-media thicknesses (P<0.01). Anti-Hsp65 antibody levels were higher in borderline hypertension (P<0.001), whereas Hsp70 and anti-Hsp70 antibody levels did not differ. In contrast to anti-Hsp65 antibody, anti-Hsp60 antibody levels were lower in borderline hypertension (P<0.03), although the difference was quantitatively small. None of the parameters evaluated were associated with atherosclerosis, metabolic factors, or smoking. We identified elevated Hsp60 levels in patients with borderline hypertension and an association between early atherosclerosis and Hsp60 levels. The physiological role of Hsp60 release has yet to be defined, but given the proinflammatory properties, these proteins could be involved in the induction/progression of both hypertension and atherosclerosis, as well as being markers for early cardiovascular disease.     

Myocardial heat shock protein 60 expression in insulin-resistant and diabetic rats

Heat shock protein 60 (HSPD1) plays a critical role in myocardial protection. Its reduced expression may lower myocardial protection against ischemic injury in the diabetic state. This study was conducted to investigate the natural course of fructose-fed insulin-resistant rats, define changes in myocardial HSPD1 expression, and determine the effects of thiazolidinedione or anti-hypertensive treatment. Results showed that insulin resistance with hyperinsulinemia and hypertension developed after 6 weeks of fructose feeding. This time-course study also showed that myocardial HSPD1 expression was mildly increased in week 6 (P=0.05) and significantly increased in week 8. Rosiglitazone-treated rats had restored systolic blood pressure (BP) and normalized plasma insulin level during oral glucose tolerance tests, whereas amlodipine-treated rats restored only systolic BP. Both amlodipine and rosiglitazone treatments normalized the abundance of myocardial HSPD1 expression in fructose-fed rats. When these rats received streptozotocin injection and diabetes developed, myocardial HSPD1 expression decreased despite persistent hypertension. In conclusion, this is the first study to report that myocardial HSPD1 expression is increased in high-fructose-fed rats, which may be due to increased BP. Once the high-fructose-fed rats developed diabetes with insulin deficiency, the myocardial HSPD1 expression decreased in spite of persistent hypertension.