Although the pathogenesis of DOP has not been fully elucidated, a persistent hyperglycaemic environment can stimulate Nlrp3 expression and inflammasome assembly, which is one of the most important contributors to the pathogenesis of DM and its associated complications, including diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic cardiomyopathy.46, 47, 48. The gene discussed is NLRP3; the disease is diabetes mellitus.