Expression of heat shock protein 72 in leukocytes from patients with acute trauma and its relationship with survival

Objective To determine the expression of heat shock protein 72(HSP 72) in leukocytes of patients with acute trauma, and evaluate its relationship with survival. Methods Thirty acute trauma patients with acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅲ(APACHE Ⅲ)≥18 were included as study subjects. Blood samples were serially obtained at three time points: days 0 - 1, days 2-6 and days 7-14 after the trauma. Expression of HSP72 was assessed with immunohistochemistry, and the expression of HSP72 mRNA was assessed with semi - quantified reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the relationship between their levels and the survival rate (survival period2 months) was analyzed. Results The expression of HSP72 was significantly enhanced on posttrauma days 2-6. The levels of HSP72 in the survivor groups were higher than that in non - survivors. Conclusion The study suggests that acute trauma can lead to a marked elevation of HSP72, and its peak level appears on days 2 - 6, which might be correlated with 2 - month survival of the afflicted patients.