The mRNA levels of NLRP3 and IL‐18 in PBMCs of AKI patients were detected by RT‐qPCR, and the results showed that compared with non‐AKI group, NLRP3 and IL‐18 in PBMCs of AKI group were significantly upregulated (p < 0.001; p < 0.001) (Figure 4). This evidence concerns the gene NLRP3 and acute kidney injury.