Role of some inflammasomes in rheumatoid arthritis patients in Egypt

AIM: This study aims to demonstrate the role of some inflammasomes genes: NLRC4 (the NLR family, CARD domain-containing protein 4), NLRP1 (NLR family, pyrin domain-containing 1), ASC (Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD), and CASPASE-1 in the pathogenesis of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Egyptian population. MAIN METHODS: The expression level of NLRC4, NLRP1, ASC, and CASPASE-1 within PBMCs isolated from all RA subjects by quantitative real-time PCR. GAPDH gene was used as a reference gene. Measurement of serum level of IL-1β and IL-18 was performed using ELISA. KEY FINDINGS: Results showed dysregulated inflammasomes expression that may participate in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory process of the disease. SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding the role of inflammasomes in RA pathogenesis helps in finding promising therapy for the treatment and management of this disease.