The selective NLRP3-inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 reduces myocardial fibrosis and improves cardiac remodeling in a mouse model of myocardial infarction

Background/Aims. Early inflammatory responses after myocardial infarction (MI) are likely to increase myocardial fibrosis and subsequent cardiac remodeling. MCC950, a specific NLRP3 inhibitor, was previously found to effectively inhibit the release of inflammatory factors IL-18 and IL-1 beta. In this study, we evaluated the effect of MCC950, as a potential new treatment strategy for MI, on myocardial fibrosis and cardiac remodeling using an experimental mouse model. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to left coronary artery ligation to induce MI and then treated with MCC950 (10 mg/kg) or PBS for 14 days. After 30 days, echocardiography was performed to assess cardiac function and myocardial fibrosis was evaluated using H&E- and Masson's Trichrome-stained sections. Myocardial expression of inflammatory factors and fibrosis markers was analyzed by western blotting, immunofluorescence, ELISA, and real-time quantitative PCR. Results: The ejection fraction in the 10 mg/kg group (40.7 +/- 4.2%; N = 6, p = 0.0029) was statistically preserved compared to that in the control group (14.0 +/- 4.4%). Myocardial fibrosis was also reduced in MCC950-treated animals (MCC950, 23.2 +/- 3.0 vs PBS, 36.2 +/- 3.7; p < 0.05). Moreover, myocardial NLRP3, cleaved IL-1 beta, and IL-18 levels were reduced in MCC950-treated animals. H&E and molecular examination revealed decreases in inflammatory cell infiltration and inflammatory factor expression in the heart. In vitro, MCC950 inhibited NLRP3, reduced caspase-1 activity, and further downregulated IL-1 beta and IL-18. Conclusion: MCC950, as a specific NLRP3 inhibitor, can alleviate fibrosis and improve cardiac function in a mouse model by suppressing early inflammatory responses post-MI.