EXPRESSION OF HEAT SHOCK PROTEINS AS A MARKER OF THE STRESS RESPONSE IN ACUTE AND CHRONIC STRESS

The relevance of studying the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) as markers of the stress response is determined by their fundamental role in ensuring cellular adaptation to adverse conditions. Heat shock proteins are highly conserved molecular chaperones involved in maintaining proteostasis, preventing protein aggregation, and restoring their native structure [1].

Under conditions of acute stress, there is a rapid activation of heat shock transcription factors and induction of HSP expression, particularly HSP70, which provides cellular protection against damage and promotes cell survival [4]. In contrast, chronic stress is associated with sustained HSP expression, which may lead to cellular functional remodeling, alterations in immune responses, and the development of pathological conditions [6].

Recent studies emphasize that the level of HSP expression is closely associated with the degree of cellular damage and the adaptive capacity of the organism, making them promising biomarkers of the stress response [7]. In addition, HSPs are involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes, apoptosis, and the cell cycle, playing an important role both under physiological conditions and in various pathological states [3].

Thus, the study of heat shock protein expression under acute and chronic stress represents a relevant area of modern biomedicine, as it contributes to a deeper understanding of stress adaptation mechanisms and opens prospects for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.