Heat shock proteins 27 and 70 regulating angiotensin II-induced NF-κB: a possible connection to blood pressure control?

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are critical for cell survival and have several mechanisms of action. HSPs regulate protein folding, suppress apoptosis, and regulate anti-oxidative activity. In addition, HSPs are involved in the regulation of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-κB. When angiotensin (Ang) II is infused into rats, there is a significant increase in systolic blood pressure, and NF-κB is activated in the heart. If rats are heat shocked to induce the heat shock response and HSPs before Ang II infusion, there is a significant suppression of both the Ang II-induced increase in blood pressure and NF-κB activation in the heart. Although the role of specific HSPs in the regulation of NF-κB is unclear, several HSPs, including Hsp27 and Hsp70, are thought to be involved in the regulation of Ang II-induced NF-κB. The role of Hsp27 and Hsp70 in NF-κB activation is reviewed here, along with evidence suggesting that HSPs regulate Ang II-induced blood pressure through the regulation of NF-κB.