Elevated HSP27 levels during attacks in patients with multiple sclerosis

Objectives - The small heat shock protein, HSP27, has been shown to have a more potent protective effect in the nervous system. However, there is limited information about the behavior of HSP27 in the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Thus, we investigated the HSP27 levels during relapse and remission phases of MS. Materials and Methods - A total of 50 relapsing-remitting or secondary progressive MS patients and 45 age- and gender-matched controls without any systemic diseases were enrolled. HSP27 levels were serologically detected in serum samples of both controls and MS patients during acute attacks and after a minimum of 2 months of each individual attack. Results - The mean HSP27 level was 12.41 +/- 18.21 ng/ml in the attack phase, 4.58 +/- 4.75 ng/ml during remission, and 2.58 +/- 3.88 ng/ml in control patients. The heat shock proteins (HSP) levels of MS patients in the attack phase were significantly higher than those obtained in the remission phase (P = 0.005). Moreover, HSP levels in the attack and remission phases of MS patients were also significantly higher when compared to controls (P = 0.001 and P = 0.03, respectively). While there was no correlation between HSP27 levels in the attack phase and age, disease duration, or expanded disability status scale scores (P = 0.69, P = 0.32, and P = 0.91, respectively), a positive correlation was observed between the HSP27 levels and the total attack number (P = 0.001). Conclusions - Our findings revealed a marked elevation in HSP27 levels during the relapse phase. Therefore, it can be suggested that elevated HSP27 levels may guide in the accurate detection of an attack in patients with MS.