Adv Clin Chem. 2014;64:73-115. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800263-6.00002-1.
Atherosclerosis is the leading global cause of mortality, morbidity, and disability. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a highly conserved family of proteins with diverse functions expressed by all cells exposed to environmental stress. Studies have reported that several HSPs may be potential risk markers of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases, or may be directly involved in the atherogenic process itself. HSPs are expressed by cells in atherosclerotic plaque and anti-HSP has been reported to be increased in patients with vascular disease. Autoimmune responses may be generated against antigens present within the atherosclerotic plaque, including HSP and may lead to a cycle of ongoing vascular injury. It has been suggested that by inducing a state of tolerance to these antigens, the atherogenic process may be limited and thus provide a potential therapeutic approach. It has been suggested that anti-HSPs are independent predictors of risk of vascular disease. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of HSP in cardiovascular disease and highlight their potential role as diagnostic agents and therapeutic targets.
动脉粥样硬化是全球主要的致死、致残和丧失能力的原因。热休克蛋白（HSPs）是一个高度保守的蛋白家族，所有暴露于环境应激的细胞都表达具有多种功能的 HSPs。研究报告称，几种 HSPs 可能是动脉粥样硬化和相关心血管疾病的潜在风险标志物，或者可能直接参与动脉粥样硬化形成过程。HSPs 在动脉粥样硬化斑块中的细胞中表达，并且已经报道血管疾病患者中的抗 HSP 增加。针对动脉粥样硬化斑块内存在的抗原（包括 HSP）可能会产生自身免疫反应，从而导致持续的血管损伤循环。有人提出，通过诱导对这些抗原的耐受状态，动脉粥样硬化形成过程可能会受到限制，从而提供一种潜在的治疗方法。有人提出，抗 HSPs 是血管疾病风险的独立预测因子。在这篇综述中，我们总结了 HSP 在心血管疾病中的目前的理解，并强调了它们作为诊断试剂和治疗靶标的潜在作用。
