Background/Purpose: NLRP3 inflammasome is a molecular platform triggering activation of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1b (IL-1b). This study aimed to assess the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome complex and pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum from 23 male patients and gender-matched 30 healthy controls were consecutively collected. The mRNA expression for target genes including NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1b, IL-17A, and IL-23 from PBMCs were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Clinical information related with AS patients were collected including Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, and extraarticular manifestations. Statistical analyses were performed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient and Mann-Whitney t test.

Results:

Higher mRNA expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1b, IL-17A, and IL-23 in AS was noted than those in controls (p = 0.010, p = 0.029, p = 0.005, p = 0.046, and p = 0.002, respectively). Patients treated with biological diseases modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) showed significantly lower caspase-1, IL-1b, and IL-17A m RNA levels than those without bDMARDs, but not in IL-23 and NLRP3. NLRP3 mRNA levels were significantly associated with IL-23, IL-17A, caspase-1, and IL-1b (p < 0.05 of all). Increased NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1b, IL-17A, and IL-23 mRNA expression in PBMC cultured with LPS was marked attenuated by antioxidants.

Conclusion: This study suggests that inflammatory response by activation of NLRP3 inflammasome might be involved in the pathogenesis of AS.

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/activation-of-nlrp3-inflammasomes-in-peripheral-blood-mononuclear-cells-of-patients-with-ankylosing-spondylitis/