Figure 2.

Efavirenz activates NLRP3 inflammasome components in Hep3B cells. (A) Determination of relative mRNA expression levels of genes associated with the NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, IL-18 and IL-1β) by RT-PCR. Data were normalized versus the housekeeping gene β-actin (n = 5–6). (B) Representative Western Blot image of the inactive form of Caspase-1 (45 kDa) and summary of densitometry data after 24 h treatment (n = 5). (C) Analysis of Caspase-1 activity using a colorimetric assay. All data (represented as mean ± SEM, n = 5–6) were calculated as a percentage of control (untreated cells) and analyzed by one-way ANOVA multiple comparison test followed by a Newman–Keuls test (* p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001 versus the respective solvent). Thapsigargin (TG), rotenone (Rot) and cocktail of LPS (C.LPS) were independently analyzed by a Student’s t-test (^## p < 0.01, ^### p < 0.001).