| Popis: |
Introduction: Emerging evidence suggests that the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD. Moreover, it may be involved in ongoing chronic inflammation that is present in patients with end-stage COPD who are candidates for lung transplantation (LT). Aims and objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the gene expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 (CASP1) and interleukin-1β (IL1B) in 5 patients with COPD before LT and 1 year after LT. Methods: Gene expression was examined by qPCR in the peripheral blood samples using the commercial TaqMan gene expression assays (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA). The calculation of the relative mRNA expression was performed by the 2−∆∆Ct method. Spirometry parameters were determined before and after LT while symptoms burden, history of exacerbations and health status were assessed by mMRC, CAT and SGRQ-C scores. Results were statistically significant if P 0.05. Results: Gene expressions of NLRP3, CASP1 and IL1B were significantly downregulated in patients one year after LT (P = 0.009, P = 0.014, P = 0.005, respectively). On the other hand, spirometry values were significantly increased at 1-year post- transplantation period with FEV1 (L) increasing from 0.59 to 3.22 (P = 0.001) and FVC (L) from 1.81 to 3.57 (P = 0.010). In addition, significant improvements in mMRC, CAT and SGRQ-C scores were observed after LT (P = 0.041, P = 0.035 and P = 0.015, respectively). Conclusions: NLRP3, CASP1 and IL1B expression were decreased in lung transplant recipients with COPD one year after LT, suggesting a significant involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome in severe COPD. |
