TNF and gout: The results of the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 in each treatment group compared to the AGA group indicated that the addition of MBD could effectively inhibit the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 proteins in the synovial tissue of rats with sodium urate-induced gouty arthritis (Figure 6).