NLRP3 and Hepatic fibrosis: When NLRP3 or ARRB2 was successfully silenced, as detected using real-time qPCR and Western blot, we analyzed the mRNA and protein levels of genes related to inflammation and liver fibrosis, including IL-1β, IL-18, p-NF-κB, COL III, FN, and α-SMA in LX-2 cells.