HSP60, HSP70 in the pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease: implication and action.

HSP60, HSP70 in plasma of 11 cases of Kawasaki diseases (KD) and 23 healthy children were determined. The two groups were controlled for age. Determination of HSP60, HSP70 was conducted in lymphocytes of 14 cases of KD and 26 healthy children. The results were compared with those of 12 patients with febrile diseases and 10 patients with tuberculosis. Our results showed that except a significant difference in plasma HSP70 found between acute phase and convalescent phase of KD (P < 0.01), no significant difference was found in HSP60, HSP70 among all groups (P > 0.05). The differences in HSP60, HSP70 in lymphocytes were relatively obvious among all groups. The levels of HSP60, HSP70 in acute phase of KD were significantly higher than those in convalescent phase or in healthy controls (P < 0.01). The levels of HSP60 in KD were significantly higher than those of patients with febrile diseases. HSP60 of KD children was significantly lower than those of children with tuberculosis (P < 0.01). The findings showed that HSP60, HSP70 might contribute to the pathogenesis of KD. Determination of HSP60, HSP70 in lymphocytes is of help in the diagnosis of KD.