The investigation of the relationship between nucleo-tide-binding domain leucine-rich-containing family pyrin domain-containing-3 and the pathogenesis of collagen-induced arthritis

Abstract

Objective To investigate the relationship between nucleo-tide-binding domain leucine-rich-containing family pyrin domain-containing-3 (NLRP3) and the pathogenesis of arthritis. Methods The collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse were divided into two groups: the model group (CIA, n=16) and the control group (n=8). The arthritis score and imaging evaluation (X-rays, Micro-CT) were performed; Synovial tissue NLRP3 expression were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Joint clinical score, radiographic score and joint NLRP3 expression were analyzed suing Pearson correlation analysis. Results The arthritis score (6.0 ± 2.5), imaging score (4.6±0.9) and synovial tissue NLRP3 expression (4.0±2.0) were significantly increased in the CIA mice. The expression of synovial NLRP3 was positively correlated with arthritis clinical and radiographic scores (r=0.792, P<0.05; r=0.669, P=0.005, respectively). Conclusion Synovial NLRP3 expression level is correlated with the clinical arthritis severity and extent of radiological destructions, suggesting that NLRP3 is involved in the pathogenesis of CIA. Key words: Arthritis; Nucleo-tide-binding domain leucine-rich-containing family pyrin domain-containing-3; Pro-inflammatory cytokines