The role and mechanism of the NLRP3-IL-1β/IL-18 signaling axis in the progression of sepsis under an aging phenotype
- Life Sci. 2025 Jun 16:123812. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2025.123812.
- 1. Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing 312000, Zhejiang Province, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
- 2. Department of Emergency, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing 312000, Zhejiang Province, China.
- 3. Zhijiang College, Zhejiang University of Technology, Shaoxing 312000, Zhejiang Province, China.
- 4. Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing 312000, Zhejiang Province, China.
- 5. Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing 312000, Zhejiang Province, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
Aims: To investigate the impact of age on sepsis outcomes and explore potential therapeutic targets using the mouse model.
Materials and methods: Sepsis was induced via cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in naturally aged mice (18 months) and young mice (3 months). Sepsis severity, mortality rates, Bacterial loads, and cytokine levels (IL-18 and IL-1β) were compared between the two groups. NLRP3 expression was analyzed in various organs. Additionally, NLRP3 Inhibitor MCC950 and specific antibodies against IL-18 and IL-1β were administered to assess their therapeutic effects. Note: This study was partially based on human samples.
Key findings: Aged mice demonstrated more severe sepsis symptoms and increased mortality compared to young mice. Elevated levels of IL-18 and IL-1β were observed in aged septic mice, indicative of augmented NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Human data corroborated these findings, showing higher serum levels of IL-18 and IL-1β in older sepsis patients. Treatment with NLRP3 inhibition (MCC950) and antibodies against IL-18 and IL-1β alleviated sepsis symptoms in aged mice, suggesting these pathways as potential therapeutic targets.
Significance: The study highlights the critical role of the NLRP3-IL-18/IL-1β axis in age-related disparities in sepsis outcomes and suggests potential therapeutic targets for improving outcomes in aged sepsis patients.