MicroRNA‐223 negatively regulates LPS‐induced inflammatory responses by targeting NLRP3 in human dental pulp fibroblasts

Aim To investigate the effect of miR‐223 on NLRP3, subsequently regulating the production of the NLRP3/CASP1 inflammasome pathway‐mediated proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐18 in human dental pulp fibroblasts (HDPFs). Methodology Human dental pulp tissue (HDPT) and HDPFs were obtained from impacted third molars. The miR‐223 mimics and inhibitor or NLRP3 plasmid were used to upregulate or downregulate miR‐223 or NLRP3 in HDPFs, respectively. Computational prediction via TargetScan 5.1 and a luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm target association. The mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, caspase‐1, IL‐1β and IL‐18 was determined by qRT‐PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The release of IL‐1β and IL‐18 was analysed by ELISA. The significance of the differences between the experimental and the control groups was determined using one‐way analysis of variance; P