Evaluation of the Expression of NLRP1 Inflammasome in Patients with Bacterial Septicemia

Septicemia is the most important cause of mortality, especially in hospitalized patients, due to the influence of the immune response by infection. NLRP1 (Nod-like receptor P1) is an intracellular receptor that recognizes microbial-dependent molecular patterns. The main intracellular mechanism of anti-septicemia is still being investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of NLRP1 genes in patients with septicemia compared to healthy controls.

This cross sectional study was done on 40 blood samples in patient with septicemia and 40 healthy controls using quota sampling. Bacterial species were identified by microbial culture. NLRP1 gene expression was evaluated using Real Time PCR technique.

Four bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa reported for causes of septicemia. The results also showed that the expression of NLRP1 inflammasome at mRNA level was significantly increased in patients with septicemia compared to healthy controls. NLRP1 gene expression was not different among patients with different bacterial infections.

NLRP1 appears to be an important receptor against bacteria during bacterial bloodstream infection, and further research, particularly in reducing the expression level of NLRP1 molecules, may play a key role in blood decontamination.