SEVELAMER CARBONATE MODULATES THE NLRP3 AND NLRP6 INFLAMMASOME EXPRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY

Interaction of microorganisms with the host innate immune system is a crucial factor that could modify diabetes and its associated complications. Recent reports have elucidated the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in diabetes, but to our knowledge there is no data regarding the role of other inflammasomes in diabetes-induced inflammation. To investigate this, blood samples were collected from type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients with nephropathy as well as from healthy volunteers. After red blood cell lysis, RNA was isolated from all collected blood samples. The expression of NLRP 6, NLRP3, ASC, PRO-IL1Β, and PRO-IL18 was assessed by quantitative Real Time PCR (qRT-PCR). Patients with diabetic nephropathy showed higher NLRP3 inflammasome expression compared to healthy controls whereas no significant differences were observed in case of NLRP6 inflammasome. In addition, Pentraxin 3 expression was elevated in patients with diabetic nephropathy. A detailed analysis of the patient’s clinical data revealed the fact that subjects receiving sevelamer carbonate in their treatment plan harboured low expression of Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) and NLRP3 associated genes.