Felipe M S Pereira, Luana B Correa, Leonardo N Seito, Natalia L VON Ranke, Guilherme Eduardo M Mendes, Murilo L Bello, Luiz Eduardo B Sávio, Robson Coutinho-Silva, Robson X Faria, Maria G Henriques, Elaine C Rosas
Gout is an inflammatory disease caused by monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposition, triggering NLRP3 inflammasome activation, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) release, and P2X7 receptor-mediated amplification of inflammation. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of methyl gallate (MG) and its interaction with the P2X7 receptor. MG reduced IL-1β production in activated macrophages, inhibited P2X7-dependent membrane pore formation, and produced effects similar to those of the selective P2X7 antagonist A740003. In a murine gout model, MG decreased joint edema, leukocyte accumulation, and IL-1β levels. Computational analyses demonstrated stable MG binding to P2X7, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for gout treatment.