Inflammasomes, intracellular, multimeric protein complexes, are assembled when damage signals stimulate nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain receptors (NLRs). Several inflammasomes have been reported, including the NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), NLRP1, NLRP7, ice protease-activating factor (IPAF), absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) and NLR family CARD domain-containing protein 4 (NLRC4). Among these inflammasomes, the NLRP3 inflammasome is the most well-studied in terms of structure and function. Unlike other inflammasomes that can only be activated by a finite number of pathogenic microorganisms, the NLRP3 inflammasome can be activated by the imbalance of the internal environment and a large number of metabolites. The biochemical function of NLRP3 inflammasome is to activate cysteine-requiring aspartate proteinase-1 (caspase-1), which converts pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18 into their active forms, namely, IL-1β and IL-18, which are then released into the extracellular space. The well-established, classic role of NLRP3 inflammasome has been implicated in many disorders. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of NLRP3 inflammasome and its critical role in gynecological disorders and obstetrical complications.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of insulin resistance (IR) on IVF outcomes and a potential underlying mechanism in lean women without PCOS.DesignA prospective cohort study at the University Clinic.SettingIVF center at the University setting.PatientsA total of 155 lean women (body mass index <25) without PCOS undergoing IVF cycle.InterventionPatients were allocated to IR and non-IR groups based on HOMA-M120.Main Outcome Measure(s)IVF outcomes, including egg quality, the percentage of mature oocytes, fertilization rate, blastocyst formation rate, advanced embryo rate, and cumulative live birth rate were investigated. Auto-immune parameters, peripheral blood immunophenotypes, thyroid hormone, homocysteine, and 25-OH-vitamin D3 (25-OH-VD3) levels were analyzed.ResultsThe percentage of mature oocytes and blastocyst formation rate were significantly lower in the IR group as compared with those of the non-IR group (p<0.05, respectively). The proportion of peripheral blood CD19+ B cells was significantly higher in the IR group than those of the non-IR group (p<0.05). Homocysteine, 25-OH-VD3, and auto-immune parameters were the same between the two groups.ConclusionIn lean infertile women without PCOS, IR is associated with the decreased percentage of mature eggs and poor embryo quality in which B cell immunity may play a role.

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