Fig. 2

Expressions of the key mediators in the ASC-inflammasome signaling pathway. Expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, Cas-1, and Cleaved Cas-1 in the ASC-inflammasome signaling pathway were measured by Western blot analysis using the specific primary antibodies and HRP-labeled anti-rabbit IgG antibody. After the intensity of each band was determined using an imaging densitometer, the relative levels of the four proteins were calculated based on the intensity of actin. Four to six mice per group were used to prepare the total tissue homogenate, and Western blot analyses were assayed in duplicate for each sample. Data are reported as the mean ± SD. *p < 0.05 compared with Vehicle treated group; #p < 0.05 compared with LoMP treated group; †p < 0.05 compared with MiMP treated group. LoMP, Low concentration of microplastics; MiMP, Medium concentration of microplastics; HiMP, High concentration of microplastics; NLRP3, NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3; ASC, Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a C-terminal caspase recruitment domain