Hepatitis B virus X protein promotes liver cell pyroptosis under oxidative stress through NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE:Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is a pivotal factor for HBV-induced hepatitis. Herein, we sought to investigate HBx-mediated NLR pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and pyroptosis under oxidative stress. METHODS:The effect of HBx on the NLRP3 inflammasome was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence in hepatic HL7702 cells. Pyroptosis was evaluated by western blotting, lactate dehydrogenase release, propidium iodide staining, and transmission electron microscopy. NLRP3 expression in the inflammasome from liver tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS:In hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-stimulated HL7702 cells, HBx triggered the release of pro-

SUBMITTER: Xie WH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7261280 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature