Abstract
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation is a key process in inflammatory diseases like gout, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to establish a model to examine the formation of NETs induced by monosodium urate (MSU) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and to elucidate their molecular pathways. Laser confocal microscopy was used to visualize NET formation, while flow cytometry was employed to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The microstructure of neutrophils was observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the expression of key proteins was determined by Western blotting. Additionally, the effect of various inhibitors targeting the MAPK signaling pathway on NET formation was evaluated. They include the Ras inhibitor Salirasib, Raf inhibitor Vemurafenib, ERK inhibitor PD98059, and p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, as well as NADPH oxidase inhibitor DPI and neutrophil elastase inhibitor Alvelestat. The results showed that MSU and PMA triggered significant NET formation, which was accompanied by increased ROS levels, lactate dehydrogenase release, dsDNA, and IL-8. Notably, selective MAPK pathway inhibitors and DPI and Alvelestat, except for SB203580, effectively down-regulated these indicators. These data indicated that the activation of a signaling pathway involving Ras-Raf-ERK, which is dependent on ROS, is crucial for the induction of NET formation by MSU and PMA. Given the involvement of NETs in multiple pathologies, our findings could potentially serve as molecular targets for the intervention and treatment of crystal-related diseases, especially for gout.