Does Hsp70 Play a Protective Role in Tibial Dyschondroplasia?

Abstract

Hsp70 was found in both normal and tibial dyschondroplasia-affected chickens suggesting that Hsp70 is expressed constitutively in the growth plate. Although the Hsp 70 content does not change significantly among the groups with lesion`s degree I to III, a decrease in the amount of total protein in the tibial growth plate of chickens with tibial dyschondroplasia was observed. There was a significant difference in the levels of Hsp70 in the growth plate of the tibia (P<0.001) between lesion of intermediary degree and lesion of severe degree. The enhancement of compressive forces in the articular cartilage might induce the chondrocytes to express induced heat-shock protein (Hsp) 70, as a defense mechanism in bone cellular survival up to score levels III. The possibility that Hsp70 is able, depending lesion`s severity, to protect and block the chondrocyte death up to score levels III, but it fails on severe lesions (degree IV), is discussed.