[Recent progress in the development of atherosclerosis: role of heat shock protein]

Recent studies have shown a close relationship between heat shock proteins (HSPs) and atherosclerosis. HSP60 may promote the development of atherosclerosis by inducing autoimmune response, enhancing inflammatory response, promoting proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. While HSP27 may protect the blood vessels from oxidative stress, reduce inflammatory response, inhibit proliferation, migration and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells, and stabilize the atherosclerotic plaque. These new understanding of the role of HSPs provides useful clues for the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis.