Inflammasomes are innate immune sensors and receptors that play key pathological roles in the development and progression of numerous diseases. Recent studies have shown that NLRP3 inflammasomes are critical in the pathology of diseases with a high impact on public health, such as musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal disorders, mainly caused or aggravated by work and the surrounding environment, are locomotor system disorders such as muscles, joints, bones, as well as diseases associated with neurological and circulatory system injuries. Activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes can induce inflammation and pyroptosis, leading to further bodily harm. Therefore, investigating the mechanism and function of NLRP3 inflammasomes, holds great significance and importance for the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. This review provides a summary of the activation pathway and mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasomes, and analyzes the role in musculoskeletal disorders such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis and arthritis, with the aim to facilitate the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.
Keywords: NLRP3 inflammasomes; bone; joint; musculoskeletal system; skeletal muscle.