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Heat shock proteins' mRNA expression in asthma
1Department of Respirology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing.
Objective:
The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression levels of heat shock proteins (HSP) mRNA in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with asthma and chronic bronchitis to elucidate the role of HSP in the pathogenesis of asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Method:
Using reverse transcription-DNA polymerase chain reaction, the expression levels of HSP70, HSP90alpha and HSP90beta genes in PBMC in normal state and after heat shock were investigated.
Results:
No HSP70 gene but HSP90alpha and HSP90beta expressions were found in non-heat-shocked PBMC of normal controls; HSP90alpha and HSP90beta genes may be expressed in PBMC of all patients, independently of acute episodes. Expression of HSP70 was found in PBMC of asthmatic patients in acute episodes and three symptom-free patients with Aas 3, step 2. Among patients with chronic bronchitis, no HSP70 gene expression was found in PBMC of patients in convalescent period but in PBMC of patients in acute episode. HSP90alpha and HSP90beta genes were expressed in PBMC of both patient groups. After heat shock, expressions of the three genes increased significantly in PBMC of both normal controls and patients.
Conclusion:
Expression of HSP70 gene in PBMC of asthmatic and chronic bronchitis patients was different, indicating that HSP, especially HSP70, might be involved in the pathogenesis of asthma.
Insights
Heat shock proteins (HSP), particularly HSP70, show distinct expression patterns in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of asthma and chronic bronchitis patients, suggesting a role in disease pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Heat shock proteins (HSP) are crucial for cellular protection against stress.
- Their role in respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic bronchitis requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate heat shock protein (HSP) mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of asthma and chronic bronchitis patients.
- To determine the specific involvement of HSP70, HSP90alpha, and HSP90beta in the pathogenesis of these respiratory conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized reverse transcription-DNA polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to quantify HSP gene expression.
- Analyzed HSP70, HSP90alpha, and HSP90beta mRNA levels in PBMC from normal controls and patients under basal and heat shock conditions.
Main Results:
- HSP90alpha and HSP90beta were expressed in PBMC of normal controls and patients, irrespective of disease state.
- HSP70 expression was detected in asthmatic patients during acute episodes and in some chronic bronchitis patients during acute phases.
- Heat shock significantly upregulated the expression of all three HSP genes in PBMC from both healthy individuals and patients.
Conclusions:
- Differential expression of HSP70 in PBMC suggests its potential role in the pathogenesis of asthma.
- HSP90alpha and HSP90beta exhibit broader expression patterns in PBMC relevant to both asthma and chronic bronchitis.