In an STZ-induced rat model of diabetic nephropathy (DN) with hyperuricemia and dyslipidemia, overexpression of NLRP3 inflammasome components [apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC) and caspase-1] has been found to be associated with elevated IL-1β and IL-18 levels (Wang et al., 2012). The gene discussed is IL18; the disease is metabolic syndrome.