Heat Shock Protein (hsp60) of Chlamydial Originand Fertility Disturbances

Overview

Objective:
Summarization of recent knowledge on heat shock proteins (HSPs) of human andbacterial (chlamydial) origin and their participation in fertility disturbances.Design: Review article for training of physicians (gynecologists and obstetricians).Setting: Veterinary Research Institute, Brno.Method and results: The subject of the study is heat shock protein - hsp60 as a significant epitopeChlamydia trachomatis. Heat shock proteins are induced as a response to various stress insults fromexternal environment (hyperthermy, UV radiation, free oxygen radicals, heavy metals, ethanol etc.)and certain processes related to the cell cycle. Sensitization with the heat shock protein Chlamydiatrachomatis and subsequent excretion of highly homologous human heat shock protein are co-operatingfactors in the development of fertility disturbances. Significant levels of IgA antibodies tohsp60 occur in cervical mucus of women and in seminal plasma of men with fertility disturbances.Conclusion: Preceding infection C. trachomatis and resulting sensitization with chlamydial heatshock protein indicate an unfavourable prognosis of the reproductive outcome and impairs theperspective of a successful in vitro fertilization.

Key words:
C. trachomatis, hsp60, fertility disturbances