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Synergistic effects of toxic elements on heat shock proteins

Khalid Mahmood1, Saima Jadoon2, Qaisar Mahmood3

  • 1Department of Biology, Government Post-Graduate College Asghar Mall, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Biomed Research International
|August 20, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) show varied expression under toxic conditions. Their reliability as toxicity biomarkers is questionable due to environmental factors, requiring further research for biomarker application.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Toxicology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biomarker Research

Background:

  • Heat shock proteins (HSPs) exhibit diverse expression patterns in response to various toxic stressors.
  • Over five decades, research has elucidated their molecular characteristics, gene regulation, and functional roles, including cytoprotection and cell signaling.
  • HSPs are known for their molecular chaperoning activity, maintaining cytoskeleton stability, and aiding in cellular communication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on interpreting heat shock protein expression levels.
  • To critically assess the suitability of HSPs as reliable biomarkers for environmental risk assessment and toxicity monitoring.
  • To discuss the controversies and challenges associated with using HSPs as biomarkers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on heat shock proteins.
  • Analysis of studies investigating HSP expression under toxic conditions.
  • Discussion of conflicting and validating reports on HSPs as biomarkers.

Main Results:

  • Heat shock protein expression levels vary significantly under different toxic conditions.
  • Conflicting reports exist regarding the validation of HSPs as biomarkers for environmental risk assessment.
  • The interpretation of HSP expression is complicated by synergistic effects of toxicants and other environmental factors.

Conclusions:

  • The candidature of heat shock proteins as reliable biomarkers of toxicity is currently unreliable.
  • Environmental factors and synergistic effects of toxicants hinder the consistent use of HSPs for toxicity monitoring.
  • Further investigation is required to establish heat shock proteins as a "suit of biomarkers in a set of organisms".

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