HSP27 Expression in the Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells As an Early Prognostic Biomarker in Coronary Artery Disease Patients

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD), is one of the leading causes of death globally. CAD risk factors, such as smoking, dyslipidemia, and obesity, are mainly associated with increased oxidative stress. Heat Shock Protein-27 (HSP27) has a protective role in conditions of oxidative stress. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between HSP27 mRNA copy numbers in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs) and the degree of CAD progression.

Methods: A total of 103 subjects aged 49-71 years were recruited; Patients with CAD were categorized into two groups: patients having <50% stenosis (Angio) and ≥50% stenosis (Angio). The mRNA copy numbers of HSP-27 in PBMCs, anthropometric-parameters, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and the fasted serum lipid profile were evaluated.

Results: Angio patients had a significantly higher level of TC and LDL-C values compared with Angio patients and the control group (p < 0.05). The HSP27 expression in PBMCs was significantly increased in Angio and Angio subjects, compared to the control group. Moreover, there was a significant association between the FBG, TC, LDL-C and TG among the groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: It was shown that the increased expression of HSP27 in PBMCs of CAD patients is significantly correlated with CAD severity in Angio subjects, which can be used as an early prognostic biomarker, indicating the degree of overall oxidative stress in patients. In order to verify this statement, it is suggested to measure Pro-oxidant- Antioxidant Balance (PAB) test by the same design in subsequent studies.