The Association of Serum Heat Shock Protein 72 and Intestinal Permeability with Intestinal Microbiota and Clinical Severity in Patients with Cerebral Infarction

Abstract

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to investigate the comparison and relationship between serum heat shock protein 72 (sHSP72) and intestinal permeability in patients with cerebral infarction (CI) and healthy individuals to elucidate the link to gut microbiota alterations and clinical severity of CI. Methods Stool samples of 50 CI patients and 46 healthy volunteers were applied to characterize intestinal flora profile through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Composition difference and taxon evaluation were observed. sHSP72 and zonulin were assayed using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Medical comorbidities and dietary habits were acquired using questionnaires and partial biochemical index were recorded. The obtained data were then subjected to comparative and correlative analysis. Results We found that the levels of zonulin and sHSP72 were significantly higher in CI group compared to the healthy group. Strikingly, sHSP72 and zonulin levels were positively correlated in CI group. After adjustment for age, gender, medical comorbidities and biochemical index, sHSP72 and zonulin levels correlated positively with clinical severity of CI. In the CI patient group, the abundance of bacteria Eubacterium_fissicatena_group, Eubacterium_eligens_group and Romboutsia manifested remarkably positive correlation with sHSP72. The abundance of bacteria Eubacterium_fissicatena_group and Acetivibrio were significantly positive correlation with zonulin levels. The CI group had a decreased abundance of Eubacterium_fissicatena_group, Eubacterium_eligens_group and Romboutsia, and an increased abundance of Acetivibrio. Conclusion Our findings represented that an increase in sHSP72 and zonulin levels were manifested in patients with CI and related to specific gut microbiota alterations and the clinical severity of CI.