Novel splice‑site variants c.393G>A, c.278_2A>G in exon 2 and Q705K variant in exon 3 of NLRP3 gene are associated with bipolar I disorder

The role of inflammasomes in human diseases and their potential as therapeutic targets

Inflammasomes are large protein complexes that play a major role in sensing inflammatory signals and triggering the innate immune response. Each inflammasome complex has three major components: an upstream sensor molecule that is connected to a downstream effector protein such as caspase-1 through the adapter protein ASC. Inflammasome formation typically occurs in response to infectious agents or cellular damage. The active inflammasome then triggers caspase-1 activation, followed by the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pyroptotic cell death. Aberrant inflammasome activation and activity contribute to the development of diabetes, cancer, and several cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. As a result, recent research has increasingly focused on investigating the mechanisms that regulate inflammasome assembly and activation, as well as the potential of targeting inflammasomes to treat various diseases. Multiple clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate the therapeutic potential of several distinct inflammasome-targeting therapies. Therefore, understanding how different inflammasomes contribute to disease pathology may have significant implications for developing novel therapeutic strategies. In this article, we provide a summary of the biological and pathological roles of inflammasomes in health and disease. We also highlight key evidence that suggests targeting inflammasomes could be a novel strategy for developing new disease-modifying therapies that may be effective in several conditions.

Circulating Toll-Like Receptor 4, Nucleotide-Binding Oligomerization Domain-Like Receptor Protein 3, and Cytokines in Patients with Bipolar Depression: A Case-Control Study

Objective

The etiology of bipolar disorder (BD), a complex psychiatric condition, remains uncertain. Previous research has suggested a potential involvement of the host immune system in the development of BD. This study aims to investigate plasma levels of cytokines, circulating toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in patients with bipolar depression.

Methods

This study recruited patients with a depressive episode of BD and healthy controls (HCs). Inflammatory cytokines were quantified using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis.

Results

A total of 26 BD patients with a depressive episode and 14 HCs were enrolled in the study. The findings revealed that individuals with BD with a depressive episode exhibited elevated serum levels of NLRP3 and interleukin-18 compared to HCs. Correlation analyses indicated a favorable association between the frequency of episodes, duration of illness, and TLR4 levels.

Conclusion

The results suggest a connection between cytokines associated with the activation of NLRP3 and their potential impact on the pathogenesis of BD.