miR-223 Inhibits the Polarization and Recruitment of Macrophages via NLRP3/IL-1β Pathway to Meliorate Neuropathic Pain

BACKGROUND: miRNA is an essential factor in neuropathic pain. However, the underlying mechanism of miRNA in neuropathic pain remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential role of miR-223 in neuropathic pain in a mice model of chronic sciatic nerve injury. METHODS: Mice were divided into the sham group, CCI group, CCI + Lenti-vector group, and CCI + Lenti-miR-223 group. Flow cytometry was used to detect the neuronal apoptosis and the proportion of M1/M2 macrophages in each group. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in each group. Luciferase activity assay detects the binding of miR-223 and NLRP3. Macrophage chemotaxis experiments verified the anti-inflammatory effect of miR-223 in vitro. RESULTS: The overexpression of miR-233 significantly reduced the neuropathic pain caused by CCI and reduced the apoptosis and inflammatory factor expression. miR-223 inhibits the expression of NLRP3 by directly binding to the 3′-untranslated region. Overexpression of miR-223 reduces the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the spinal cord of CCI mice, increases the proportion of M2-type macrophages, and reduces the proportion of M1-type macrophages. CONCLUSION: miR-223 may facilitate the development of neuropathic pain in CCI mice by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated neuroinflammation.