Expression of HSP 70 in lymphocytes of coke oven workers

Objective To investigate the expression of heat shock protein 70(HSP70)in coke oven workers and its effect.Methods Chr omosomal aberration and degree of DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes were detected respectively by MN experiment and comet assay,the HSP70 level was measured by Western blot.Results The MN frequency and comettail length in high exposure group were significantly higher than those in control group(P<0.05).The HSP70 levels of high exposure group,low exposure group and control group were 1.12±0.36,1.34±0.83,0.89±0.40 respectively,and there was significant difference between low exposure group and control group(P<0.05).In high exposure group the HSP70 level had negative correlation with DNA damage(r=-0.416,P=0.03).Conclusion Coke oven environment can induce the expression of HSP70 in peripheral blood lymphocyte,and the expression of higher HSP70 can protect cells from damage.