title: Effect of combined heat, ozonation and ultraviolet irradiation (VasoCare) on heat shock protein expression by peripheral blood leukocyte populations.
abstract: The re-administration of whole blood subjected to heat, ozonation and ultraviolet irradiation (VasoCare therapy) has been shown to elicit clinical benefits in individuals with vascular disease. Given that these stressors induce heat shock protein (Hsp) expression and that heat shock protein reactivity is implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular disease, this study assessed the effect of VasoCare on intracellular expression of Hsp60 and Hsp70 by treated peripheral blood leukocytes. Contrary to expectations, VasoCare induced a significant reduction (approximately 40%) in the proportion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells expressing intracellular Hsp60 and Hsp70, whereas it had no effect on heat shock protein expression by peripheral blood neutrophils. Cell surface heat shock protein expression was not detectable. The reduced expression of Hsp60 by mononuclear cells was concomitant with an increase in the levels of Hsp60 in treated plasma. Although the mechanism underlying the clinical effectiveness of VasoCare therapy has yet to be established, it may be that re-administration of treated blood or soluble factors derived therefrom modifies in vivo immune responsiveness to heat shock proteins or associated molecules.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Sciences Centre, University of Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bulmer
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Bolton
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Pockley
mesh_terms: D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects; D010126:Ozone; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins; D010126:Ozone