Abstract
The inflammasome is a key regulator of innate immunity involved in the inflammatory response to infections as well as disease through the activation of caspase-1 and the processing of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. Even though the inflammasome was first described in the context of infections, most research in recent years has focused on targeting the inflammasome as a therapeutic option in sterile inflammatory events. Recent evidence indicates a clear involvement of the inflammasome in Reproductive Biology such as infertility and preeclampsia. In this mini-review, I summarize the current findings on the inflammasome that have been described in the field of Reproductive Biology and highlight the potential that the inflammasome has as a novel therapeutic option in this field. The topics covered in this review as it pertains to the inflammasome field cover the literature published on male and female infertility, endometriosis, preeclampsia, placental inflammation, and reproductive senescence.
Highlights
Reviewed by: Alessandro Conforti, University of Naples Federico II, Italy Dana Manuela Savulescu, National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), South Africa
Exacerbated inflammation in the placenta is associated with fetal growth restriction [44], and protein levels of caspase-1 and IL-1β were elevated in cytotrophoblasts exposed to uric acid crystals, suggesting that inflammasome activation may contribute to placental inflammation by exposure to uric acid crystals, which are known to be associated with fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia and inflammasome activation. These findings indicate a clear role for the inflammasome in preeclampsia and placental inflammation
Inflammasome research in the field of Reproductive Biology needs to focus on more mechanistic insights beyond understanding the expression of inflammasome signaling proteins like caspase-1, ASC, and IL-1β (Figure 1)
Summary
Recent evidence indicates a clear involvement of the inflammasome in Reproductive Biology such as infertility and preeclampsia. The topics covered in this review as it pertains to the inflammasome field cover the literature published on male and female infertility, endometriosis, preeclampsia, placental inflammation, and reproductive senescence.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
