Insights into the role of heat shock protein 72 to whole-body heat acclimation in humans.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review without systematic methodology or original human experimental data.
PubMed 27227070 · doi:10.1080/23328940.2015.1110655
What was done
Narrative review synthesizing existing literature on the physiological and cellular adaptations to whole-body heat acclimation in humans, with a focus on the role of intracellular heat shock protein 72 (Hsp72) in establishing thermotolerance.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data or statistical findings. It qualitatively summarizes that heat acclimation reduces core and skin temperatures, expands plasma volume, enhances sweating and skin blood flow, and elevates intracellular Hsp72 levels. It outlines hypothesized mechanisms whereby Hsp72 preserves intestinal epithelial tight junctions, decreases endotoxin translocation, and dampens systemic inflammation.
Why it matters
It emphasizes that human heat acclimation relies on cellular cytoprotection via Hsp72 in addition to classical whole-body thermoregulatory adjustments to prevent heat illness.
Limits
Narrative review containing no original empirical human data, quantitative synthesis, or systematic search methodology. Sample size is unspecified (n = ?), and proposed gut barrier protective mechanisms require further direct experimental verification in humans.
Cited by
- supports Heat-adapted individuals or those with higher baseline levels of heat shock proteins increase their heat shock proteins more quickly upon exposure to heat compared to non-adapted individuals.