What is the role of heat shock protein in abdominal organ transplantation?

Assessment of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease before and after lung transplantation

The interplay between purinergic receptors as well as pattern recognition receptors like Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) might have a role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to determine and compare the concentrations of the damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and gene expression of their respective receptors as well as NLRP3 inflammasome-related molecules in the peripheral blood of patients with end-stage COPD before and 1 year after lung transplantation (LT). Lung function was assessed by spirometry and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was applied for detection of TLR2, TLR4, P2X7R, P2Y2R, IL1B, CASP1, and NLRP3 expression. High-sensitivity ELISA kits were used for extracellular (e) Hsp70 and IL-1β, and luminescence assay for eATP measurements. Concentrations of eHsp70 and eATP as well as IL-1β were significantly increased in the plasma of end-stage COPD patients and significantly decreased after LT. In addition, TLR4, P2Y2R, IL1B, CASP1, and NLRP3 expression was up-regulated in COPD patients before LT, while it was significantly suppressed after LT. In conclusion, it could be assumed that NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in the peripheral blood of end-stage COPD patients and that eHsp70 and eATP could be responsible for its activation through triggering their receptors. On the other hand, previously enhanced pro-inflammatory reactions seem to be suppressed to the healthy population levels in lung recipients without allograft rejection.

The Role of the Heat-Shock Proteins in Esophagogastric Cancer

Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) are a family of proteins that have received considerable attention over the last several years. They have been classified into six prominent families: high-molecular-mass HSP, 90, 70, 60, 40, and small heat shock proteins. HSPs participate in protein folding, stability, and maturation of several proteins during stress, such as in heat, oxidative stress, fever, and inflammation. Due to the immunogenic host’s role in the combat against cancer cells and the role of the inflammation in the cancer control or progression, abnormal expression of these proteins has been associated with many types of cancer, including esophagogastric cancer. This study aims to review all the evidence concerning the role of HSPs in the pathogenesis and prognosis of esophagogastric cancer and their potential role in future treatment options. This narrative review gathers scientific evidence concerning HSPs in relation to esophagus and gastric cancer. All esophagogastric cancer subtypes are included. The role of HSPs in carcinogenesis, prognostication, and therapy for esophagogastric cancer are discussed. The main topics covered are premalignant conditions for gastric cancer atrophic gastritis, Barrett esophagus, and some viral infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). HSPs represent new perspectives on the development, prognostication, and treatment of esophagogastric cancer.