NLRP3 inflammasome promotes diabetes-induced endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis

Abstract

Background

NLRP3 inflammasome can be activated by high glucose and links inflammation and metabolic disease. This study aimed to investigate the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in hyperglycemia-induced endothelial inflammation and diabetic atherosclerosis.

Methods

NLRP3 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and plasma IL-1β level were measured in diabetes patients. The activation of NLPR3 was detected in diabetic ApoE−/− mice and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Results

Compared with healthy controls, NLRP3 expression levels in PBMC and plasma IL-1β level were significantly higher in diabetes patients but considerably decreased after lifestyle interventions and medicine. Moreover, carotid atherosclerosis was significantly related to plasma IL-1β level in diabetes patients. In diabetic atherosclerosis mouse model, NLRP3 knockdown suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation, inhibited the expression of adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in intima, reduced atherosclerosis and stabilized atherosclerotic plaque. In vitro, the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components and the secretion of IL-1β were augmented by high glucose in HUVECs. Moreover, either high glucose or IL-1β promoted the expression of adhesion molecules, which were suppressed by NLRP3 knockdown or IL-1β receptor antagonist.

Conclusion

These findings provide novel insights into pathological mechanisms of diabetic atherosclerosis and have potential therapeutic implications for cardiovascular complications in diabetes.

Keywords:

• NLRP3 inflammasome
• diabetes
• atherosclerosis
• inflammation

Acknowledgment

This study was supported by Natural Science Funds of Shaanxi Province (No. 2016JM8059).

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.