Stress proteins

Responses and functions of HSP70 in the skeletal muscle during physical exercise

Abstract

Among the various mechanisms that the body has to counteract the disruption of homeostasis, one of the most important is the production of stress proteins or heat shock proteins (HSP). Thus, in the skeletal muscle, the family of HSP70 serves as protection against oxidative stress, reduces muscle weakening during immobilization and enhances muscle regeneration, attenuating muscle damage. Factors such as age, sex, training level, intensity and volume of exercise performed or even the type of muscle fiber, appear to determine HSP70 responses, whose functions during exercise are also related with energetic metabolism regulation. However, due to lack of consistent results or existing disputes, further studies are needed in order to more accurately define the biological function of HSP70 related with physical exercise.