LAUSR

BACKGROUND There are some evidence that cytokines may play an important role in sleep deprivation; however, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. So, the present study aim to evaluate the relationship between NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes activation of blood cells and serum levels of cytokines in individuals with chronic insomnia disorder (CID). METHODS Blood samples were collected from 24 individuals with CID and 24 healthy volunteers. The inflammasomes activation was evaluated using real time PCR of NLRP1, NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1; western blot of NLRP1 and NLRP3; caspase-1 activity assay; and serum levels of IL-1β, IL-18 and other cytokines using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ROS generation in blood cells were detected by flow cytometry assay. As well, MRI scans were obtained on a Siemens Magnetom Avanto 1.5 T MRI whole body scanner using an 8-channel head coil. RESULTS We found the increased activity of NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes in blood cells; the increased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines; and the decreased serum levels of IL-10 and TGF-β in individuals with CID. We observed significant correlation between increased serum concentration of IL-1β and the severity of insomnia in individuals with CID. The levels of ROS in blood cells was found to be correlated with IL-1α and TNF-α concentrations in serums from individuals with CID. Moreover, the included individuals with CID demonstrated the increased right-cerebellum-cortex and lateral ventricle MD bilaterally compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS This study provided new insights on the pathogenesis of CID and the effects of cytokines on inflammasome activation.