Panel A. LX2 cells were incubated with CM from mock (control CM) or HCV exposed macrophages CM (HCV-MΦ-CM) for 48 h. Expression of inflammasome markers, NLRP3, IL-1β, IL-6 and CCL5 genes, were examined by qRT-PCR. 18S RNA was used as an internal control. Panel B. Human primary hepatic stellate cells were similarly treated with control CM or HCV-MΦ-CM and inflammasome markers were examined. Values represent from three independent experiments ±SD. Statistical significance was analyzed using the two-tailed Student’s t test: *P < 0.05, **P<0.01.