Genetic variation in <i>CARD8</i>, a gene coding for an NLRP3 inflammasome-associated protein, alters the genetic risk for diabetic nephropathy in the context of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

CARD8 acts as an NLRP3, NF-κB and caspase-1 inhibitor; perhaps, alterations in the cross-talk between CARD8, NF-κB, and NLRP3, which could affect the pro-inflammatory environment in T2DM, render diabetic carriers of certain common <i>CARD8</i> variants potentially less likely to develop T2DM-related pro-inflammatory responses followed by DN. These preliminary, yet novel, observations will require validation in larger cohorts from several ethnic groups.