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

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Abstract
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 SCD 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. Am. J. Hematol. 78:240–242, 2005.