Comparative evaluation of heat shock protein expression in human and mammalian hearts

Abstract: A cardioprotective role of Heat Shock Proteins (Hsp) against ischemia/reperfusion injury has been suggested; however few data on Hsp levels in human heart are available. For this, the Hsp72, Hsc 70, Hsp 60 and Hsp 27 were evaluated, by quantitative Western Blotting, in human heart (adult and children) and, for comparison, in other mammals (pig and rat). We found different cardiac levels of all the Hsp measured in the various species, specially of Hsp 72, whose cardioprotective effects are known. Hsp 72 was the predominant Hsp in children while the lowest levels were found in rat where Hsp 60 and the Hsc 70 are the more expressed. The higher levels of Hsp 72 found in children at cardiosurgery with respect to adults suggest the possibility of preconditioning effects in this situation although an age-related variation could not be ruled out.