Kv1.5 channel mediates monosodium urate-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages and arrhythmogenic effects of urate on cardiomyocytes

Background: Gout is usually found in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). K+ efflux is a common trigger of NLRP3 inflammasome activation which is involved in the pathogenesis of AF. We investigated the role of the K+ channel Kv1.5 in monosodium urate crystal (MSU)-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and electrical remodeling in mouse and human macrophages J774.1 and THP-1, and mouse atrial myocytes HL-1.

Methods and results: Macrophages, primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), were stimulated by MSU. HL-1 cells were incubated with the conditioned medium (CM) from MSU-stimulated macrophages. Western blot, ELISA and patch clamp were used. MSU induced Caspase-1 expression in LPS-primed J774.1 cells and IL-1β secretion, suggesting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. A selective Kv1.5 inhibitor, diphenyl phosphine oxide-1 (DPO-1), and siRNAs against Kv1.5 suppressed the levels of Caspase-1 and IL-1β. MSU reduced intracellular K⁺ concentration which was prevented by DPO-1 and siRNAs against Kv1.5. MSU increased expression of HSP70, and Kv1.5 on the plasma membrane. siRNAs against HSP70 were suppressed but heat shock increased the expression of HSP70, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and Kv1.5 in MSU-stimulated J774.1 cells. The CM from MSU-stimulated macrophages enhanced the expression of Caspase-1, IL-1β and Kv1.5 with increased Kv1.5-mediated currents that shortened action potential duration in HL-1 cells. These responses were abolished by DPO-1 and a siRNA against Kv1.5.

Conclusions: Kv1.5 regulates MSU-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages. MSUrelated activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and electrical remodeling in HL-1 cells are via macrophages. Kv1.5 may have therapeutic value for diseases related to gout-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammsome, including AF.

Atrial myocytes; Kv1.5; Monosodium urate; NLRP3 inflammasome.