Role of NLRP3 Inflammasomes in Disorders of Children's Digestive Systems: A Narrative Review.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

This review article highlights the role of the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat, pyrin domain-containing 3 protein (NLRP3) inflammasomes in various gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders in the pediatric age group. NLRP3 inflammasomes are one of the principal intracellular innate immune sensors. During inflammation, molecules such as caspase-1 and the release of IL-1β and IL-18 are produced. The NLRP3 inflammasome participates in the preservation of intestinal homeostasis and mucosal immune response. The objective is to evaluate the published articles related to the role of NLRP3 inflammasomes in common pediatric gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders in order to identify the future perspective regarding their possible therapeutic values.

METHODS

We searched Medline for NLRP3 inflammasomes and disorders of the digestive system during childhood.

RESULTS

Although the majority of articles were related to various disorders of adults, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, atherosclerosis, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders, such as schizophrenia, a few published datasets were related to the roles of NLRP3 in the pediatric age group: they addressed autism, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases, as well as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and hepatic infection. Some research demonstrated that the NLRP3 inflammasome has a protective role; however, it also has a pathogenic function.

CONCLUSIONS

This review focused on the comprehensive role of inflammasome NLRP3 in the most common pediatric and neonatal gastrointestinal and hepatic diseases, including clinical and experimental studies, as well as the pharmacological inhibitors for NLRP3 inflammasomes, which may provide future therapy for GIT problems, such as IBD.