Inflammasome Diseases Flashcards
Effects of IL-1 in various tissues
IL-1α vs IL-1β
IL-1α: Constitutively present in many cell types
IL-1β: Stimulated by activation of TLRs, TNF-α, and IL-1 itself
Basic diagram of IL-1β production and action
Transcription of pro-IL-1β is induced by. . .
IL-1, TNF, TLR stimulation
Levels of IL-1β regulation
- Transcription (needs pro-inflammatory signal)
- Activation of pro-caspase-1 via inflammasome formation
- Activation of pro-IL-1β to IL-1β
- Secretion of IL-1β (Gasdermin D)
- Binding to target receptor (IL-1RA as competitive inhibitor)
NLRP3 inflammasome diagram
Supersaturation point for monosodium urate
6.8mg/dL
Gout typically presents as. . .
A disease of episodic symptomatic periods, termed “gout attacks.”
Gout attacks are characterized by rapid onset of exquisite pain associated with warmth, swelling, and erythema of the affected joint. The pain escalates from the faintest twinges to its most intense level over an 8- to 12-hour period. Initial attacks usually affect only one joint
The acute attack may be accompanied by fever (typically only if multiple joints are involved), chills, and malaise. Desquamation of the skin may occur as the attack resolves. Treatment quickly relieves pain, and even untreated attacks go away after 1-2 weeks.
In half of all gout patients, the first gout attack involves the ___.
In half of all gout patients, the first gout attack involves the first metatarsophalangeal joint.
Podagra
Gout of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.
3 Stages of Gout
- Asymptomatic hyperuricemia
- Intermittent acute attacks with symptom-free interims
- Chronic gouty arthritis with constant symptoms and superimposed acute gout attacks
A diagnosis of gout is confirmed by. . .
synovial fluid analysis demonstrating MSU crystals or by the presence of tophi.
Podagra X-ray
Hyperuricemia most commonly results from . . .
. . . underexcretion of uric acid due to renal insufficiency or competition for excretion with organic acids, like low-dose aspirin or lactic acid in individuals with poor liver function (usually due to alcohol).
Uric acid production
Hyperuricemia caused by uric acid overproduction
Rare, but occasionally seen in diseases which caused increased nucleic acid turnover:
- psoriasis
- myeloproliferative diseases
- hemoltyic anemia
In addition to decreasing uric acid excretion, ___ is a source of purines.
In addition to decreasing uric acid excretion, alcoholic beer is a source of purines.
Epidemiology of gout
- Usually men
- Usually over 30 years of age
- Incidence increases significantly with rising uric acid levels
Hyperuricemia in the absence of gout
NOT an indication for treatment. It is unclear as to why, but some people with high uric acid just don’t get gout.