CASP1 and gout: This oligomerization triggers the autoproteolytic maturation of caspase-1, activating its inflammatory caspase function.183,277 Active caspase-1 then catalyzes the proteolytic cleavage and maturation of proIL-1β into the biologically active IL-1β, which leads to acute flares of gouty arthritis.183 In neutrophils, uric acid activates the ERK/p38 signaling pathway while inhibiting the Nrf2 pathway.