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.