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Heat shock proteins in cardiovascular disease a new therapeutic target

Mita Gupta1, Christos Vavasis, William H Frishman

  • 1Departments of Medicine, Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.

Cardiology in Review
|December 12, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Cells defend against stress using heat shock proteins (HSPs). Elevated HSPs are linked to cardiovascular diseases, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Cellular stress response
  • Cardiovascular pathophysiology

Background:

  • Cells possess defense mechanisms against stressors via genetic programs.
  • Heat shock proteins (HSPs) and heat shock transcription factors are key components of this defense.
  • HSPs play crucial roles in cellular protection and homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the roles of heat shock proteins in pathophysiology.
  • To explore heat shock proteins as potential pharmacologic targets for disease treatment.
  • To review the association between HSPs and cardiovascular diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of investigations on heat shock proteins.
  • Analysis of studies demonstrating HSP elevation in disease states.
  • Exploration of potential therapeutic strategies involving HSP manipulation.

Main Results:

  • Heat shock proteins are elevated in patients with systemic hypertension.
  • Increased HSP levels are observed in coronary artery disease, carotid atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and ischemia.
  • These findings highlight the involvement of HSPs in cardiovascular pathophysiology.

Conclusions:

  • Heat shock proteins are implicated in the pathophysiology of several cardiovascular diseases.
  • Understanding HSP expression can lead to novel pharmacologic interventions.
  • Gene transfection techniques offer future possibilities for therapeutic manipulation of HSPs in humans.

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