Kynurenic acid inhibits macrophage pyroptosis by suppressing ROS production via activation of the NRF2 pathway

Macrophage pyroptosis and related inflammatory responses play an important role in periodontitis. Kynurenic acid (KA) is hypothesized to have anti‑inflammatory potential, but whether KA can inhibit macrophage the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used induce THP‑1‑derived macrophages. or ML385 pretreat macrophages, after which, cell viability, NOD‑like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome‑related expression, oxidative stress levels nuclear factor erythroid 2‑related 2 (NRF2) expression were measured. The results showed that improved LPS‑induced decrease viability lactate dehydrogenase release. prevented THP‑1 induced by LPS reducing of NLRP3, Gasdermin‑D, Caspase1, decreased factors. suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation inhibiting ROS overproduction increasing Heme Oxygenase 1 glutathione levels. Moreover, promoted NRF2 translocation from cytoplasm nucleus. In addition, anti‑pyroptotic antioxidant effects reversed inhibition NRF2. present study, it found significantly LPS. It further demonstrated mediated pathway.