NLRP3 (P=0.005) andASC (P=0.0002) protein levels were significantlyelevated in varicocele patients versus control subjects(relative intensity of ASC was 2.02 ± 0.09 vs. 0.32 ± 0.28and relative intensity of NLRP3 was 1.5 ± 0.13 vs. 0.56 ±0.1, respectively, Fig. 2 A-C). The gene discussed is NLRP3; the disease is varicocele.