%0 Journal Article %A I Markelić %A L Rumora %A I Hlapčić %A F Džubur %A S Popović Grle %A M Samaržija %A A Vukić Dugac %T Downregulation of NLRP3, CASP1 and IL1B expression in COPD patients after lung transplantation %D 2022 %R 10.1183/13993003.congress-2022.1606 %J European Respiratory Journal %P 1606 %V 60 %N suppl 66 %X Introduction: Emerging evidence suggests that the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD. Moreover, it may be involved in ongoing chronic inflammation that is present in patients with end-stage COPD who are candidates for lung transplantation (LT). Aims and objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the gene expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 (CASP1) and interleukin-1β (IL1B) in 5 patients with COPD before LT and 1 year after LT.Methods: Gene expression was examined by qPCR in the peripheral blood samples using the commercial TaqMan gene expression assays and the calculation of the relative mRNA expression was performed by the 2−∆∆Ct method. Spirometry parameters were determined before and after LT while symptoms burden, history of exacerbations and health status were assessed by mMRC, CAT and SGRQ-C scores. Results were statistically significant if P < 0.05.Results: Gene expressions of NLRP3, CASP1 and IL1B were significantly downregulated in patients one year after LT (P=0.009, P=0.014, P=0.005, respectively). On the other hand, spirometry values were significantly increased at 1-year post-transplantation period with FEV1 (L) increasing from 0.59 to 3.22 (P=0.002) and FVC (L) from 1.81 to 3.57 (P=0.014). In addition, significant improvements in mMRC, CAT and SGRQ-C scores were observed after LT (P=0.041, P=0.035 and P= 0.015, respectively).Conclusions: NLRP3, CASP1 and IL1B expression were decreased in lung transplant recipients with COPD one year after LT, suggesting a significant involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome in severe COPD.FootnotesCite this article as Eur Respir J 2022; 60: Suppl. 66, 1606.This article was presented at the 2022 ERS International Congress, in session “-”.This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only). %U