Gut microbiota and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in hemodialysis patients: exploring the link with systemic inflammation.

BACKGROUND

The Nod-Like Receptor Pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a critical sensor of bacterial signals and metabolites, initiating an inflammatory response. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often accompanied by systemic inflammation, which can be involved with gut dysbiosis. Considering this interplay, we aimed to explore the potential association between NLRP3 inflammasome expression and gut microbiota in CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

This research comprises a cross-sectional pilot study involving twelve HD patients [59.2 ± 13.4 years, six women, BMI 26.6 ± 3.5 kg/m, 48.6 (20.1-77.2) months] on dialysis. The gut microbiota was evaluated by the 16 S ribosomal RNA gene. The mRNA expression of NLRP3 was assessed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Plasma levels of IL-1β were measured by ELISA. Fusobacteria and Fusobacterium negatively correlated with the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3 and IL-1β (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between mRNA expression of NLRP3 and Lentisphaerae, Erysipelaloclostrium and Victivallis (p < 0.05). The relative abundances of Lentisphaerae, Spirochaetes, Abscicoccus, Colidextribacter, Desulfovibrio, Fournierella, Lawsonibacter, Ruminococcus, and Victivallis were positively correlated with IL-1β mRNA expression (p < 0.05). Regarding Archaea, IL-1β mRNA expression was positively correlated with Methanobrevibacter (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis, gut microbiota may be involved in NLRP3 activation and IL-1β expression, contributing to inflammation.