Heat shock proteins in vascular disease--a review.
BACKGROUND
There is growing evidence that heat shock proteins (HSPs), a family of stress-inducible proteins may be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic vascular diseases. Here, we systematically review the evidence behind this notion.


METHODS
A detailed literature search and extensive bibliographic review of literature relating to HSPs and atherosclerotic vascular disease.


RESULTS
Atherosclerotic vascular disease is classified into four main areas of presentation: carotid, coronary, aortic and peripheral vascular disease, for consideration in this review. In each of these vascular diseases, the evidence linking HSPs and atherosclerosis is outlined in a systematic manner. Current evidence suggests that components of the immune system may be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, with HSPs acting as auto-antigens in the immune response. HSPs are detected in atherosclerotic lesions and antibodies to HSPs are increased in patients with vascular disease; the rise often correlating with the severity of atherosclerosis. The levels of anti-HSP antibodies have been shown to be independent predictors of risk and have prognostic value.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a strong link between heat shock protein expression and the principal manifestations of atherosclerotic vascular diseases. A better understanding of this involvement could lead to the development of new and improved treatment strategies.
Mehta
T A
TA
Academic Surgical Unit, University of Hull, Hull Royal Infirmary, Anlaby Road, Hull HU3 2JZ, UK. tapanmehta99@yahoo.com
Greenman
J
J
Ettelaie
C
C
Venkatasubramaniam
A
A
Chetter
I C
IC
McCollum
P T
PT
D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins