Expression of Nod-Like Receptor Protein 3 (NLRP3) in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Patients with Sepsis

Abstract

Sepsis is a common clinical disease. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that is involved in both innate and adaptive immune responses. However, the expression of NLRP3 in patients with sepsis has not been elucidated. 98 patients with sepsis before and after treatment were selected and 106 healthy volunteers were used as the control group. PBMCs were isolated from each group to measure NLRP3 and Caspase 1 level Real time PCR. The expression of serum procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-1β and IL-18 was analyzed by ELISA. NLRP3 and Caspase 1 level was significantly increased in sepsis patients before treatment with increased secretion of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum and elevated level of PCT and CRP (P < 0.05). NLRP3, Caspase 1 expression, IL-1β and IL-18 secretion were positively correlated with serum PCT and CRP in patients with sepsis (P < 0.05). After treatment, NLRP3 and Caspase 1 mRNA expression was significantly decreased and serum IL-1β and IL-18 secretion was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). NLRP3 is increased in sepsis and IL-1β and IL-18 secretion is elevated, implying the involvement of NLRP3 in the occurrence and development of sepsis.