TNF and gout: Caspase-1 activates proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β by cleaving their respective precursor proteins and proIL-1β.262 In gout, the release of IL-1β mediated by inflammasomes triggers a significant inflammatory response characterized by vasodilation and rapid recruitment of neutrophils to the site of crystal deposition, thereby driving acute inflammatory episodes.347–349 Similarly, MSU promotes the expression of other cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and chemokines, such as monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1).