Serum NOD–Like Receptor Protein 3 (NLRP3) Level as a Potential Diagnostic Biomarker in Iraqi Women with Breast Cancer

Hussein Hadi Abdulla; Hanaa Addai Ali

doi:10.31557/APJCC.2026.11.6.867

Authors

Hussein Hadi Abdulla Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kufa, Iraq.
Hanaa Addai Ali Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kufa, Iraq.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCC.2026.11.6.867

Keywords:

Breast cancer, NLRP3, lipid profile, Metastasis.

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women. The type of BC is determined by the specific cells in the breast that undergo malignant transformation. BC can originate in various region of the breast. Nod–Like Receptor Protein 3 (NLRP3) is the most well-studied inflammasome, expressed mainly by myeloid lineage cells. The study aimed to assess NLRP3 serum levels in Iraqi women with BC, evaluating its diagnostic and prognostic value, and investigated its correlation with pathological features.

Materials and Methods: A case-control study was consisted of 90 Iraqi women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. A control group of 90 healthy women, selected to match the patients in age, was also included. Serum NLRP3 levels was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, lipid profiles levels were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Results: Serum NLRP3 levels were significantly higher in the breast cancer patient group compared to the healthy control group (6.149 ± 0.643 vs. 2.666 ± 1.200 ng/mL, P < 0.0001). NLRP3 levels were particularly elevated in advanced stages of the disease. Lipid levels, including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), were also elevated in patients, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were decreased compared to healthy women. Elevated serum NLRP3 levels showed a significant positive correlation with age but non-significant with other parameters. NLRP3 illustrated remarkable diagnostic efficacy in breast cancer patients, with a NLRP3 cutoff value of 5.380 ng/ml, a sensitivity of 93.3% and a specificity of 93.3% (AUC 0.959, 95% confidence interval: 0.922-0.995; P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Elevated levels of the NLRP3 in women with breast cancer have been identified as a significant predictor of disease prognosis and a valuable diagnostic tool, suggesting a possible role in disease progression. NLRP3 may be used as a potential biomarker and immunotherapeutic target in breast cancer patients.