Sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis induces the release of circulating serum heat shock protein-70

Inflammation may play an important role in the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease (SCD), and recent studies have identified the 70-kDa heat shock protein (Hsp70) as an important mediator of inflammatory responses. Here we demonstrate a significant increase in circulating serum Hsp70 level in SCD during vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) as compared with baseline steady-state levels (P < 0.05) and a significant increase in Hsp70 levels in SCID at baseline compared with normal controls (P < 0.05). Taken together, these results indicate that circulating serum Hsp70 might be a marker for VOC in SCD. (C) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.