NLRP3 and dilated cardiomyopathy: For instance, there is a clinical correlation between circulating levels of NLRP3 inflammasome and cardiac function, as well as between the NT-pro BNP levels and the cumulative rehospitalization rate in patients with dilatated cardiomyopathy.183,184 NLRP3 activation also occurs in a time-dependent manner in response to ischemia.185 Ischemic cells release DAMPs and alarmins, which strongly stimulate the NLRP3 inflammasome.