Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026
RNA Interference-based Investigation of the Function of Heat Shock Protein 27 during Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing
Published on: September 27, 2016
Heat shock protein 27 acts as a predictor of prognosis in chronic heart failure patients
Denise Traxler1, Mitja Lainscak2, Elisabeth Simader3
1Christian Doppler Laboratory for Cardiac and Thoracic Diagnosis and Regeneration, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
Insights
Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) levels predict adverse events in chronic heart failure (HF) patients. Measuring HSP27 may enhance risk assessment for individuals with chronic HF.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomarkers
- Stress Response
Background:
- Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are key intracellular stress response mechanisms.
- The prognostic significance of systemic HSP expression in chronic heart failure (HF) is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma HSP27 levels and clinical outcomes in patients with chronic stable HF.
- To determine if HSP27 can serve as an independent predictor of cardiovascular death or HF-related hospitalizations.
Main Methods:
- Plasma HSP27 levels were quantified using ELISA in 134 outpatients with chronic stable HF.
- Patients were monitored for at least one year, with a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model used to assess outcomes.
Main Results:
- A total of 134 patients (mean age 71±10 years, 36±12% LVEF) were analyzed.
- During follow-up, 44 patients (33%) experienced adverse events.
- Elevated HSP27 levels (above median 3820 pg/ml) were independently associated with a higher risk of events (HR 2.33, p=0.024), even after adjusting for established predictors.
Conclusions:
- HSP27 is an independent prognostic marker in chronic HF.
- HSP27 may improve risk-stratification in chronic HF patients beyond current clinical predictors.
Background:
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) represent intracellular mechanisms of stress response. Clinical implications of their (systemic) expression in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) remain inconclusive.
Methods:
In outpatients with chronic stable HF plasma HSP27 levels were measured using ELISA. Patients were followed for a minimum of one year, and a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was built for cardiovascular death or HF-associated hospitalisations.
Results:
A total of 134 patients with chronic HF (mean age 71±10years, 34% female, mean LVEF 36±12%) were included. During a mean follow-up of 527±260days, 44 patients (33%) experienced an event. Mean time to event was 350±236days. In a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis HSP27 levels above the median (3820pg/ml) indicate a higher risk for an event (p=0.03). Increased HSP27 levels remained an independent predictor of events (HR, 2.33 CI 95% 1.12-4.87, p=0.024) even after adjustment for age, gender, NT-proBNP, LVEF, aetiology, smoking status, kidney function and NYHA class.
Conclusions:
HSP27 is an independent predictor of prognosis in chronic HF. Our findings suggest that HSP27 may improve risk-stratification in chronic HF beyond known prognostic predictors.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
01:17Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
01:30Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions
01:27Heart Failure I: Introduction
01:22Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies