NLRP3 Inflammasome as a Therapeutic Target for Atherosclerosis: A Focus on Potassium Outflow

• Published in: Reviews in cardiovascular medicine 2022-08, Vol.23 (8), p.268
• Main Authors: Jin, Yi-Jing, An, Zhuo-Yu, Sun, Zhi-Xuan, Liu, Xin-Chen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: atherosclerosis; nlrp3 inflammasome; potassium efflux; Review; therapeutic target
• ISSN: 1530-6550; 2153-8174; 1530-6550
• DOI: 10.31083/j.rcm2308268

Atherosclerosis is a risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases, and is linked to high rates of morbidity and mortality across the globe. Although numerous complex processes are involved in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, the exact mechanisms behind its pathogenesis remain unclear. Inflammation and endothelial cell damage exert a lasting effect on atherosclerosis, causing lipid and fibrous tissue accumulation in the intima of the artery to form plaques, and subsequently promoting atherosclerosis. Nod-like receptor protein 3 ( ) inflammatory corpuscle is thought to be the link between lipid metabolism and inflammation. Long Potassium outflow is a vital activator of , with a simultaneous effect as a start-up and adjustment. The majority of existing drugs for atherosclerosis targeting the signaling pathway target IL-1, whereas drugs targeting the critical link of potassium efflux are relatively new. This review discusses the inflammatory corpuscle as a critical regulator of the immunological inflammatory pathway in atherosclerosis. Moreover, current knowledge on inflammatory corpuscle start and activation pathways were integrated, emphasizing potassium-involved outflow-related proteins. We highlight potential treatment approaches for inflammatory corpuscle pathways, specifically targeting potassium outflow channels of targeted drugs. Collectively, these insights indicate that targeting the inflammatory corpuscle is a vital anti-inflammatory therapy for treating atherosclerosis.