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[The study of a key molecule Caspase-1 of inflammasome in hepatitis B virus-related diseases]

Z H Fan1, L Xu1, Y Tian1

  • 1Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University & Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing 100069, China.

Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi = Zhonghua Ganzangbing Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Hepatology
|March 9, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Aspartate-specific cysteine protease (Caspase)-1 plays a key role in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver diseases. Its expression and activity differ significantly across conditions like chronic hepatitis B, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and acute-on-chronic liver failure.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Hepatology
  • Molecular Biology

Context:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health concern, leading to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • Inflammasomes, particularly involving Caspase-1, are implicated in inflammatory responses and disease pathogenesis.
  • Understanding the role of Caspase-1 in HBV-related liver conditions is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the expression, activity, and role of aspartate-specific cysteine protease (Caspase)-1 in various hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver diseases.
  • To compare Caspase-1 levels and activity in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver cirrhosis (LC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) against healthy controls.

Summary:

  • Real-time PCR revealed altered Caspase-1 mRNA levels in CHB, LC, HCC (downregulated), and ACLF (upregulated) patients compared to controls.
  • Immunofluorescence showed varied Caspase-1 protein levels, with elevation in ACLF and reduction in HCC and LC.
  • Caspase-1 activity was slightly increased in CHB, LC, and HCC tissues but significantly reduced in ACLF. Serum Caspase-1 levels were universally lower in HBV patients, with the lowest levels observed in ACLF.

Impact:

  • Caspase-1 exhibits distinct expression patterns and activity profiles in different HBV-related liver diseases, particularly highlighting its unique role in ACLF.
  • These findings suggest Caspase-1 as a potential biomarker for disease severity and progression in HBV infection.
  • The study provides insights into the inflammatory mechanisms underlying HBV pathogenesis, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies targeting inflammasomes.

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