The effects of MCC950 on NLRP3 inflammasome and inflammatory biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis on animal studies

Abstract

Introduction: The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a key role in the regulation of inflammation and has been implicated in various inflammatory diseases. The present study evaluated the impact of MCC950 on NLRP3 and inflammatory biomarkers in systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Searches were performed across databases including Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. The pooled effects of MCC950 on NLRP3, TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-16, IL-18, and IL-1β were analyzed using a random effects model. Results: Twenty animal studies met the inclusion criteria. MCC950 did not significantly reduce NLRP3 (SMD = -0.88; 95 CI: -1.79,0.03; P= 0.058) and TNF-alpha levels (SMD= -1.18; 95 CI: -2.45, 0.09; P= 0.069). A significant reduction was observed in IL-18 (SMD= -1.22; 95 CI: -2.44, -0.00; P= 0.049), IL-16 (SMD= -1.225; 95 CI: -2.779, 0.329; P= 0.122) and IL-1β (SMD = -1.38; 95 CI: -2.44 to -0.32; P= 0.011) concentrations after MCC950 treatment. Conclusion: MCC950 reduced serum levels of some inflammatory factors. However, NLRP3 did not change significantly. Further research is necessary to understand the function of pharmacological inhibition of NLRP3 activation. Registration: This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA checklist, and its protocol was registered on both the PROSPERO website (ID: CRD42024567477) and the Research Registry website (UIN: reviewregistry1887). Copyright © 2025 The Author(s)