Myocardial infarction acutely induces inflammation, which is characterized by increased protein expression of NLRC4, caspase-1, and interleukin-1β; increased gene expression of NLRP3 and ASC; and increased serum and myocardial concentrations of interleukin-1β in combination with an increased myocardial collagen interstitial fraction. The gene discussed is CASP1; the disease is myocardial infarction.