A new research hot spot: The role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, a key step in pyroptosis, in diabetes and diabetic complications

Life Sci. 2020 Jan 1:240:117138. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117138. Epub 2019 Dec 4.

Abstract

Pyroptosis is a form of cell death mediated by gasdermin D (GSDMD); it is characterised by NLRP3 inflammasome activation, caspase activation, cell membrane pore formation, and the release of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18. NLRP3 inflammasome activation plays a central role in pyroptosis. Recent research has suggested that NLRP3 inflammasome activation may be involved in the occurrence and development of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. This finding provided the impetus for us to clarify the significance of pyroptosis in diabetes. In this review, we summarise the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in pyroptosis, as well as recent advances in the role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in the development of diabetes and diabetic complications.

Keywords: Diabetes; Diabetic complications; NLRP3 inflammasome; Pyroptosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diabetes Complications / drug therapy*
  • Diabetes Complications / genetics*
  • Diabetes Complications / pathology
  • Diabetes Mellitus / drug therapy*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / genetics*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / pathology
  • Humans
  • Inflammasomes / drug effects
  • Inflammasomes / genetics*
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein / genetics*
  • Pyroptosis / drug effects
  • Pyroptosis / genetics*

Substances

  • Inflammasomes
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  • NLRP3 protein, human