Uric acid induces trophoblast IL-1β production via the inflammasome: implications for the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Problem: Preeclampsia is associated with hyperuricemia, which correlates with the disease severity. Levels of circulating uric acid increase before the clinical manifestations, suggesting that they may be causally related. Uric acid, or monosodium urate (MSU), activates the Nod-like receptor, Nalp3, leading to inflammasome activation and IL-1β processing.