Fig. 6

5-FU-induced ROS activates NLRP3 inflammasome in OSCC cells. a Intracellular ROS production after 5-FU treatment was detected using DCFH-DA staining in WSU-HN6 and CAL27 cells. mRNA (b) and protein (c) expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β in WSU-HN6 and CAL27 cells treated with 5-FU and/or NAC (5 mM) was detected by qPCR or western blot. d The percentage of viable cells with 5-FU and/or NAC treatment was determined using trypan blue. e SOD2 and catalase expression in WSU-HN6 and CAL27 cells treated with or without 5-FU was detected. Data are representative of three experiments (*P < 0.05, **P < 0.01)