Conclusion
These findings demonstrate that uric acid activates the inflammasome in the trophoblast, leading to IL-1β production. This may provide a novel mechanism for the induction of inflammation at the maternal–fetal interface leading to placental dysfunction and adverse pregnancy outcome, including preeclampsia.
Results
Trophoblast cells expressed Nalp1, Nalp3, and ASC under basal conditions. Following incubation with MSU, first-trimester trophoblast IL-1β secretion was upregulated. This correlated with increased expression levels of active IL-1β and active caspase-1. ASC knockdown reduced MSU-induced IL-1β secretion.