Abstract: Objective To investigate the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like inflammation in
mice and the therapeutic effects of mustard seed (Sinapis Alba Linn). Methods Thirty BALB/c mice were randomized equally
into blank control group (fed with normal forage and treated with vehicle), model group (fed with normal forage and treated
with 5% imiquimod cream), and experimental group (fed with 5% mustard seed forage and treated with 5% imiquimod
cream). RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and caspase-11. Immunohistochemistry
was performed to determine the expression and distribution of ASC and caspase-1. ELISA was used to test the serum levels of
interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. Results Compared with the blank control group, the mice with imiquimod-induced
psoriasis-like inflammation showed significantly increased NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and caspase-11 mRNA expressions, ASC
and caspase-1 protein expressions , and serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 (P<0.05). These changes were obviously attenuated by
feeding the mice with mustard seed. Conclusion NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like
inflammation in mice, and mustard seed may suppress the inflammation induced by IL-1β and IL-18 through down-regulating
the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome.