Heat shock proteins in cardiovascular disease a new therapeutic target.
Cells have the capability of defending themselves from various stressors by activating a genetic program with the production of substances known as heat shock proteins and their regulatory partners, the heat shock transcription factors. In this article, heat shock proteins are discussed, including their roles in pathophysiology and as possible pharmacologic targets to treat disease. Multiple investigations have demonstrated an elevation in heat shock proteins in patients with systemic hypertension, coronary artery disease, carotid atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction and ischemia. As we further understand how to manipulate their expression, we can explore pharmacologic interventions and gene transfection techniques that can safely be used in humans.
Gupta
Mita
M
Departments of Medicine, Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
Vavasis
Christos
C
Frishman
William H
WH
D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D018869:Heat-Shock Response / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans
D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins