Objective      To study the expressions of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)

nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (Nlrp3) and inflammatory cytokines and the pyroptosis during hypoxia/reoxygenation (H

/R) injury in human renal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2)

and discuss the relationship between Drp1 and H/R-induced pyroptosis of HK-2 cells.       Methods      HK-2 cells were cultured in DMEM/F12 containing 10% fetal bovine serum in a thermostatic incubator (37 ℃

5% CO

2

). Then the cells were divided into normal control group

H/R group

H/R+Mdivi-1 (Drp1 inhibitor) group

H/R+siNlrp3 group and H/R+Scra group. LDH activity in the supernatant of cell culture was tested with an automatic biochemical analyzer. The expressions levels of Drp1

Nlrp3

caspase-1 and IL-1β were detected by Western blotting. Reactive oxygen species was measured by 2′

7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay. Pyroptosis was analyzed with a flow cytometer.       Results      The H/R group exhibited higher celluar ROS level and higher expressions of Drp1

Nlrp3

caspase-1 and IL-1β proteins than the normal control group (P0.05)

and the pyroptosis index were increased in the H/R group (P0.05). Mdivi-1 could dramatically decrease the level of ROS and pyroptosis and relieve the dysfunction of HK-2 cells (P0.05).       Conclusion      Drp1 can induce pyroptosis of human renal tubular epithelial cells through activating Nlrp3 in H/R injury.