Enhanced intestinal expression of heat shock protein 70 in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases

Heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 is stress-inducible and exhibits both protectiv e and antigenic properties, This study investigated the mucosal expression of the constitutive (Hsp70c) and inducible form (Hsp70i) as well as antibod ies against human Hsp70 in inflammatory bowel disease and controls. Biopsie s were assessed by immunoblot and immunofluorescence, resection specimens b y immunohistochemistry, and mucosal antibody content by isoelectric focusin g. Compared to controls, expression of Hsp70 was enhanced in ulcerative col itis (P < 0.05), less so in Crohn's disease and infectious colitis, Strong epithelial staining was found for Hsp70c and Hsp70i in both diseases. Mucos al and submucosal mononuclear cells showed enhanced Hsp70c expression in Cr ohn's disease and to a lesser degree in ulcerative colitis. Antibodies of i sotypes A or M were detected in nearly all patients and controls, The diffe rent pattern of Hsp70 expression in Crohn's disease compared to ulcerative colitis paints to a distinct protective and immunological function, whereas a role in autoimmunity seems unlikely.