Hsp-72, a candidate prognostic indicator of heatstroke

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Toxicology

Background:

• Environmental heat stress significantly impacts physiological functions.
• Heat shock proteins (Hsps), particularly Hsp-72, are upregulated in response to heat stress.
• The role of Hsps in heatstroke pathogenesis and organ damage requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression profile of heat shock proteins (Hsps) in baboons experiencing environmental heat stress.
• To determine the association of Hsp-72 release with heatstroke severity, organ damage, and survival outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Baboons were subjected to controlled environmental heat stress to induce moderate and severe heatstroke.
• Western blot analysis was used to assess Hsp-72, Hsp-60, and Hsc-70 expression in various organs.
• ELISA was employed to quantify circulating levels of Hsp-72 and Hsp-60.

Main Results:

• Hsp-72 expression was differentially induced across organs, with highest levels in the liver and lowest in the lung.
• Severe heatstroke led to a marked release of Hsp-72 into circulation, peaking at 24 hours post-onset.
• Circulating Hsp-72 levels correlated with markers of liver, myocardium, and skeletal muscle necrosis, and were higher in non-survivors.

Conclusions:

• Increased Hsp-72 expression is a significant component of the host response to severe heatstroke in baboons.
• Extracellular Hsp-72 serves as a valuable biomarker for multi-organ tissue damage following heatstroke.
• Further research is warranted to explore the immunological role of extracellular Hsp-72 in heat stress.