NLRP3 and renal fibrosis: Increased expression of NLRP3 and caspase-1, as well as enhanced release of the IL-1β and IL-18 inflammatory bodies, was observed in both renal biopsy specimens of UUO mice and humans with UUO (unilateral ureteral occlusion), whereas the degree of renal fibrosis was markedly alleviated in NLRP3−/− mice [72, 73].