Increased NLRP3 inflammasome expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with schizophrenia: a case-control study.

Systemic inflammation is implicated in SCZ pathogenesis, according to our findings, which suggest that the NLRP3 pathway may be involved. The NLRP3 inflammasome may serve as a biomarker for SCZ, and its pharmacological regulation may be a promising treatment approach.Key pointsWe hypothesised that the NLRP3 pathway may contribute to the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia.NLRP3, IL-1β and IL-18 mRNA levels were higher in patients with schizophrenia compared to healthy controls.Negative correlations were found between NLRP3 gene expression levels and GAF and FAST scales scores.There was a negative correlation between IL-18 expression levels and the GAF and FAST scales scores.The SAPS scale scores and IL-18 expression levels had a positive correlation.Given all these findings, it can be stated that NLRP3 inflammasome may play a role in the pathogenesis and symptoms of schizophrenia.