Antiferroptotic activity of non-oxidative dopamine

Natural flavonoids from herbs and nutraceuticals as ferroptosis inhibitors in central nervous system diseases: current preclinical evidence and future perspectives

Flavonoids are a class of important polyphenolic compounds, renowned for their antioxidant properties. However, recent studies have uncovered an additional function of these natural flavonoids: their ability to inhibit ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is a key mechanism driving cell death in central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including both acute injuries and chronic neurodegenerative disorders, characterized by iron overload-induced lipid peroxidation and dysfunction of the antioxidant defense system. This review discusses the therapeutic potential of natural flavonoids from herbs and nutraceuticals as ferroptosis inhibitors in CNS diseases, focusing on their molecular mechanisms, summarizing findings from preclinical animal models, and providing insights for clinical translation. We specifically highlight natural flavonoids such as Baicalin, Baicalein, Chrysin, Vitexin, Galangin, Quercetin, Isoquercetin, Eriodictyol, Proanthocyanidin, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, Dihydromyricetin, Soybean Isoflavones, Calycosin, Icariside II, and Safflower Yellow, which have shown promising results in animal models of acute CNS injuries, including ischemic stroke, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. Among these, Baicalin and its precursor Baicalein stand out due to extensive research and favorable outcomes in acute injury models. Mechanistically, these flavonoids not only regulate the Nrf2/ARE pathway and activate GPX4/GSH-related antioxidant pathways but also modulate iron metabolism proteins, thereby alleviating iron overload and inhibiting ferroptosis. While flavonoids show promise as ferroptosis inhibitors for CNS diseases, especially in acute injury settings, further studies are needed to evaluate their efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and blood-brain barrier penetration for clinical application.

Ferroptosis: a novel pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies for Parkinson disease: A review

Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, and its incidence is climbing every year, but there is still a lack of effective clinical treatments. In recent years, many studies have shown that ferroptosis plays a key role in the progression of PD. Most importantly, many cellular and animal studies and clinical trials have shown that episodes of PD can be alleviated by inhibiting the ferroptosis process, such as utilizing inhibitors, chelating agents, and others. Here, we review the role of ferroptosis, a new form of cell death, in the pathogenesis of PD, and summarize the therapeutic strategies for targeting ferroptosis in PD, hoping to provide new thinking for the study of PD pathogenesis and the development of therapeutic strategies.

Dopamine receptor agonist pramipexole exerts neuroprotection on global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting ferroptosis

OBJECTIVE

To explore the mechanism of dopamine receptor agonist pramipexole in exerting neuroprotection on global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (GCI/R).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 36 in each group), and the Pulsinelli's four-vessel occlusion method was used to establish the rat model of GCI/R injury. Pramipexole administration group was intraperitoneally injected with pramipexole 0.5 mg kg-1 once a day for 14 days. Pramipexole combined with levodopa administration group was intraperitoneally injected with pramipexole 0.5 mg kg-1 and levodopa 50 mg kg-1 once a day for 14 days. The mNSS scores and Y maze test were used to evaluate neurological behaviors. Nissl staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to respectively observe hippocampal neurons and mitochondrial ultrastructure. Molecular biological tests including tissue iron concentration, GSH, MDA were used to detect the degree of ferroptosis. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of Nrf2, GPX4, X-CT and p53 proteins at 3 days, 7 days and 14 days after GCI/R injury.

RESULTS

Pramipexole alone or combined with levodopa for 14 days improved neurological behaviors, improved the morphology of neurons, increased the number of surviving neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region of GCI/R rats, which showed similar neuroprotective effects. Pramipexole alone or combined with levodopa for 14 days restored mitochondrial ultrastructure, decreased tissue iron concentration and MDA concentration, increased GSH concentration in the brain of GCI/R rats, which also induced the relative expressions of Nrf2, GPX4 and X-CT proteins and reduced p53 protein.

CONCLUSION

Pramipexole alone or combined with levodopa exert neuroprotection by inhibiting ferroptosis after GCI/R injury via Nrf2/GPX4/SLC7A11 pathway, and long-term intervention could be applied as an effective therapeutic strategy for neuroprotection against GCI/R injury.

A new strategy for the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage: Ferroptosis

Intracerebral hemorrhage, is a cerebrovascular disease with high morbidity, mortality, and disability. Due to the lack of effective clinical treatments, the development of new drugs to treat intracerebral hemorrhage is necessary. In recent years, ferroptosis has been found to play an important role in the pathophysiological process of intracerebral hemorrhage, which can be treated by inhibiting ferroptosis and thus intracerebral hemorrhage. This article aims to explain the mechanism of ferroptosis and its relationship to intracerebral hemorrhage. In the meantime, it briefly discusses the molecules identified to alleviate intracerebral hemorrhage by inhibiting ferroptosis, along with other clinical agents that are expected to treat intracerebral hemorrhage through this mechanism. In addition, a brief overview of the morphological alterations of different forms of cell death and their role in ICH is provided. Finally, the challenges that may arise in translating ferroptosis inhibitors from basic research to clinical use are presented. This article serves as a reference and provides insights to aid in the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage in the clinic.

Improving understanding of ferroptosis: Molecular mechanisms, connection with cellular senescence and implications for aging

In the face of cell damage, cells can initiate a response ranging from survival to death, the balance being crucial for tissue homeostasis and overall health. Cell death, in both accidental and regulated forms, plays a fundamental role in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Among the regulated mechanisms of cell death, ferroptosis has garnered attention for its iron-dependent phospholipid (PL) peroxidation and its implications in aging and age-related disorders, as well as for its therapeutic relevance. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanisms, regulation, and physiological and pathological roles of ferroptosis. We present new insights into the relationship between ferroptosis, cellular senescence and aging, emphasizing how alterations in ferroptosis pathways contribute to aging-related tissue dysfunction. In addition, we examine the therapeutic potential of ferroptosis in aging-related diseases, offering innovative insights into future interventions aimed at mitigating the effects of aging and promoting longevity.

Iron homeostasis and ferroptosis in human diseases: mechanisms and therapeutic prospects

Iron, an essential mineral in the body, is involved in numerous physiological processes, making the maintenance of iron homeostasis crucial for overall health. Both iron overload and deficiency can cause various disorders and human diseases. Ferroptosis, a form of cell death dependent on iron, is characterized by the extensive peroxidation of lipids. Unlike other kinds of classical unprogrammed cell death, ferroptosis is primarily linked to disruptions in iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant system imbalance. Ferroptosis is regulated through transcription, translation, and post-translational modifications, which affect cellular sensitivity to ferroptosis. Over the past decade or so, numerous diseases have been linked to ferroptosis as part of their etiology, including cancers, metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases, central nervous system diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal diseases. Ferroptosis-related proteins have become attractive targets for many major human diseases that are currently incurable, and some ferroptosis regulators have shown therapeutic effects in clinical trials although further validation of their clinical potential is needed. Therefore, in-depth analysis of ferroptosis and its potential molecular mechanisms in human diseases may offer additional strategies for clinical prevention and treatment. In this review, we discuss the physiological significance of iron homeostasis in the body, the potential contribution of ferroptosis to the etiology and development of human diseases, along with the evidence supporting targeting ferroptosis as a therapeutic approach. Importantly, we evaluate recent potential therapeutic targets and promising interventions, providing guidance for future targeted treatment therapies against human diseases.

Lactone-to-Lactam Editing Alters the Pharmacology of Bilobalide

Precise transformations of natural products (NPs) can fine-tune their physicochemical properties while preserving inherently complex and evolutionarily optimized parent scaffolds. Here, we report an unprecedented lactone-to-lactam transformation on bilobalide, thus improving its stability and paving the way for biological exploration of previously inaccessible chemical space that is highly representative of the parent structure. This late-stage molecular editing of bilobalide enables facile access to a unique library of lactam analogues with altered pharmacology. Through phenotypic screening, we identify BB10 as a hit compound with unexpected inhibition of ferroptotic cell death. We further reveal that BB10 suppresses ferroptosis by restoring the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in brain cells. This study highlights that even subtle changes on NP scaffolds can confer new pharmacological properties, inspiring the exploration of simple yet critical transformations on complex NPs.

Ferroptosis in thyroid cancer: Potential mechanisms, effective therapeutic targets and predictive biomarker

Thyroid cancer is a prevalent endocrine malignancy whose global incidence has risen over the past several decades. Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death distinguished by the excessive buildup of iron-dependent lipid peroxidates, stands out from other programmed cell death pathways in terms of morphological and molecular characteristics. Increasing evidence suggests a close association between thyroid cancer and ferroptosis, that is, inducing ferroptosis effectively suppresses the proliferation of thyroid cancer cells and impede tumor advancement. Therefore, ferroptosis represents a promising therapeutic target for the clinical management of thyroid cancer in clinical settings. Alterations in ferroptosis-related genes hold potential for prognostic prediction in thyroid cancer. This review summarizes current studies on the role of ferroptosis in thyroid cancer, elucidating its mechanisms, therapeutic targets, and predictive biomarkers. The findings underscore the significance of ferroptosis in thyroid cancer and offer valuable insights into the development of innovative treatment strategies and accurate predictors for the thyroid cancer.

Exploring the relationship between anastasis and mitochondrial ROS-mediated ferroptosis in metastatic chemoresistant cancers: a call for investigation

Ferroptosis induces significant changes in mitochondrial morphology, including membrane condensation, volume reduction, cristae alteration, and outer membrane rupture, affecting mitochondrial function and cellular fate. Recent reports have described the intrinsic cellular iron metabolism and its intricate connection to ferroptosis, a significant kind of cell death characterized by iron dependence and oxidative stress regulation. Furthermore, updated molecular insights have elucidated the significance of mitochondria in ferroptosis and its implications in various cancers. In the context of cancer therapy, understanding the dual role of anastasis and ferroptosis in chemoresistance is crucial. Targeting the molecular pathways involved in anastasis may enhance the efficacy of ferroptosis inducers, providing a synergistic approach to overcome chemoresistance. Research into how DNA damage response (DDR) proteins, metabolic changes, and redox states interact during anastasis and ferroptosis can offer new insights into designing combinatorial therapeutic regimens against several cancers associated with stemness. These treatments could potentially inhibit anastasis while simultaneously inducing ferroptosis, thereby reducing the likelihood of cancer cells evading death and developing resistance to chemotherapy. The objective of this study is to explore the intricate interplay between anastasis, ferroptosis, EMT and chemoresistance, and immunotherapeutics to better understand their collective impact on cancer therapy outcomes. We searched public research databases including google scholar, PubMed, relemed, and the national library of medicine related to this topic. In this review, we discussed the interplay between the tricarboxylic acid cycle and glycolysis implicated in modulating ferroptosis, adding complexity to its regulatory mechanisms. Additionally, the regulatory role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the electron transport chain (ETC) in ferroptosis has garnered significant attention. Lipid metabolism, particularly involving GPX4 and System Xc- plays a significant role in both the progression of ferroptosis and cancer. There is a need to investigate the intricate interplay between anastasis, ferroptosis, and chemoresistance to better understand cancer therapy clinical outcomes. Integrating anastasis, and ferroptosis into strategies targeting chemoresistance and exploring its potential synergy with immunotherapy represent promising avenues for advancing chemoresistant cancer treatment. Understanding the intricate interplay among mitochondria, anastasis, ROS, and ferroptosis is vital in oncology, potentially revolutionizing personalized cancer treatment and drug development.

Exploring the relationship between anastasis and mitochondrial ROS-mediated ferroptosis in metastatic chemoresistant cancers: a call for investigation

Ferroptosis induces significant changes in mitochondrial morphology, including membrane condensation, volume reduction, cristae alteration, and outer membrane rupture, affecting mitochondrial function and cellular fate. Recent reports have described the intrinsic cellular iron metabolism and its intricate connection to ferroptosis, a significant kind of cell death characterized by iron dependence and oxidative stress regulation. Furthermore, updated molecular insights have elucidated the significance of mitochondria in ferroptosis and its implications in various cancers. In the context of cancer therapy, understanding the dual role of anastasis and ferroptosis in chemoresistance is crucial. Targeting the molecular pathways involved in anastasis may enhance the efficacy of ferroptosis inducers, providing a synergistic approach to overcome chemoresistance. Research into how DNA damage response (DDR) proteins, metabolic changes, and redox states interact during anastasis and ferroptosis can offer new insights into designing combinatorial therapeutic regimens against several cancers associated with stemness. These treatments could potentially inhibit anastasis while simultaneously inducing ferroptosis, thereby reducing the likelihood of cancer cells evading death and developing resistance to chemotherapy. The objective of this study is to explore the intricate interplay between anastasis, ferroptosis, EMT and chemoresistance, and immunotherapeutics to better understand their collective impact on cancer therapy outcomes. We searched public research databases including google scholar, PubMed, relemed, and the national library of medicine related to this topic. In this review, we discussed the interplay between the tricarboxylic acid cycle and glycolysis implicated in modulating ferroptosis, adding complexity to its regulatory mechanisms. Additionally, the regulatory role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the electron transport chain (ETC) in ferroptosis has garnered significant attention. Lipid metabolism, particularly involving GPX4 and System Xc- plays a significant role in both the progression of ferroptosis and cancer. There is a need to investigate the intricate interplay between anastasis, ferroptosis, and chemoresistance to better understand cancer therapy clinical outcomes. Integrating anastasis, and ferroptosis into strategies targeting chemoresistance and exploring its potential synergy with immunotherapy represent promising avenues for advancing chemoresistant cancer treatment. Understanding the intricate interplay among mitochondria, anastasis, ROS, and ferroptosis is vital in oncology, potentially revolutionizing personalized cancer treatment and drug development.

Ferroptosis: principles and significance in health and disease

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by uncontrolled lipid peroxidation, is governed by molecular networks involving diverse molecules and organelles. Since its recognition as a non-apoptotic cell death pathway in 2012, ferroptosis has emerged as a crucial mechanism in numerous physiological and pathological contexts, leading to significant therapeutic advancements across a wide range of diseases. This review summarizes the fundamental molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways underlying ferroptosis, including both GPX4-dependent and -independent antioxidant mechanisms. Additionally, we examine the involvement of ferroptosis in various pathological conditions, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, sepsis, ischemia-reperfusion injury, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic disorders. Specifically, we explore the role of ferroptosis in response to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, nanotherapy, and targeted therapy. Furthermore, we discuss pharmacological strategies for modulating ferroptosis and potential biomarkers for monitoring this process. Lastly, we elucidate the interplay between ferroptosis and other forms of regulated cell death. Such insights hold promise for advancing our understanding of ferroptosis in the context of human health and disease.

IRE1α determines ferroptosis sensitivity through regulation of glutathione synthesis

Cellular sensitivity to ferroptosis is primarily regulated by mechanisms mediating lipid hydroperoxide detoxification. We show that inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1α), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident protein critical for the unfolded protein response (UPR), also determines cellular sensitivity to ferroptosis. Cancer and normal cells depleted of IRE1α gain resistance to ferroptosis, while enhanced IRE1α expression promotes sensitivity to ferroptosis. Mechanistically, IRE1α's endoribonuclease activity cleaves and down-regulates the mRNA of key glutathione biosynthesis regulators glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11). This activity of IRE1α is independent of its role in regulating the UPR and is evolutionarily conserved. Genetic deficiency and pharmacological inhibition of IRE1α have similar effects in inhibiting ferroptosis and reducing renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice. Our findings reveal a previously unidentified role of IRE1α to regulate ferroptosis and suggests inhibition of IRE1α as a promising therapeutic strategy to mitigate ferroptosis-associated pathological conditions.

Targeting BMAL1 reverses drug resistance of acute myeloid leukemia cells and promotes ferroptosis through HMGB1-GPX4 signaling pathway

PURPOSE

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a refractory hematologic malignancy that poses a serious threat to human health. Exploring alternative therapeutic strategies capable of inducing alternative modes of cell death, such as ferroptosis, holds great promise as a viable and effective intervention.

METHODS

We analyzed online database data and collected clinical samples to verify the expression and function of BMAL1 in AML. We conducted experiments on AML cell proliferation, cell cycle, ferroptosis, and chemotherapy resistance by overexpressing/knocking down BMAL1 and using assays such as MDA detection and BODIPY 581/591 C11 staining. We validated the transcriptional regulation of HMGB1 by BMAL1 through ChIP assay, luciferase assay, RNA level detection, and western blotting. Finally, we confirmed the results of our cell experiments at the animal level.

RESULTS

BMAL1 up-regulation is an observed phenomenon in AML patients. Furthermore, there existed a strong correlation between elevated levels of BMAL1 expression and inferior prognosis in individuals with AML. We found that knocking down BMAL1 inhibited AML cell growth by blocking the cell cycle. Conversely, overexpressing BMAL1 promoted AML cell proliferation. Moreover, our research results revealed that BMAL1 inhibited ferroptosis in AML cells through BMAL1-HMGB1-GPX4 pathway. Finally, knocking down BMAL1 can enhance the efficacy of certain first-line cancer therapeutic drugs, including venetoclax, dasatinib, and sorafenib.

CONCLUSION

Our research results suggest that BMAL1 plays a crucial regulatory role in AML cell proliferation, drug resistance, and ferroptosis. BMAL1 could be a potential important therapeutic target for AML.

Ferroptotic therapy in cancer: benefits, side effects, and risks

Ferroptosis is a type of regulated cell death characterized by iron accumulation and uncontrolled lipid peroxidation, leading to plasma membrane rupture and intracellular content release. Originally investigated as a targeted therapy for cancer cells carrying oncogenic RAS mutations, ferroptosis induction now exhibits potential to complement chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy in various cancer types. However, it can lead to side effects, including immune cell death, bone marrow impairment, liver and kidney damage, cachexia (severe weight loss and muscle wasting), and secondary tumorigenesis. In this review, we discuss the advantages and offer an overview of the diverse range of documented side effects. Furthermore, we examine the underlying mechanisms and explore potential strategies for side effect mitigation.

BRD4 inhibitors broadly promote erastin-induced ferroptosis in different cell lines by targeting ROS and FSP1

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death, is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is an epigenetic reader and a promising target for cancer therapeutics. However, the role of BRD4 in ferroptosis is controversial and the value of the interaction between BRD4 inhibitors and ferroptosis inducers remains to be explored. Here, we found that BRD4 inhibition greatly enhanced erastin-induced ferroptosis in different types of cells, including HEK293T, HeLa, HepG2, RKO, and PC3 cell lines. Knocking down BRD4 in HEK293T and HeLa cells also promoted erastin-induced cell death. BRD4 inhibition by JQ-1 and I-BET-762 or BRD4 knockdown resulted in substantial accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both HEK293T and HeLa cells. The effect of BRD4 inhibition on ferroptosis-associated genes varied in different cells. After using BRD4 inhibitors, the expression of FTH1, Nrf2, and GPX4 increased in HEK293T cells, while the levels of VDAC2, VDAC3, and FSP1 decreased. In HeLa cells, the expression of FTH1, VDAC2, VDAC3, Nrf2, GPX4, and FSP1 was reduced upon treatment with JQ-1 and I-BET-762. Consistently, the level of FSP1 was greatly reduced in HEK293T and HeLa cells with stable BRD4 knockdown compared to control cells. Furthermore, ChIP-sequencing data showed that BRD4 bound to the promoter of FSP1, but the BRD4 binding was greatly reduced upon JQ-1 treatment. Our results suggest that ROS accumulation and FSP1 downregulation are common mechanisms underlying increased ferroptosis with BRD4 inhibitors. Thus, BRD4 inhibitors might be more effective in combination with ferroptosis inducers, especially in FSP1-dependent cancer cells.

Mitochondria-mediated Ferroptosis in Diseases Therapy: From Molecular Mechanisms to Implications

Ferroptosis, a type of cell death involving iron and lipid peroxidation, has been found to be closely associated with the development of many diseases. Mitochondria are vital components of eukaryotic cells, serving important functions in energy production, cellular metabolism, and apoptosis regulation. Presently, the precise relationship between mitochondria and ferroptosis remains unclear. In this study, we aim to systematically elucidate the mechanisms via which mitochondria regulate ferroptosis from multiple perspectives to provide novel insights into mitochondrial functions in ferroptosis. Additionally, we present a comprehensive overview of how mitochondria contribute to ferroptosis in different conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory disease, mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, and novel coronavirus pneumonia. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the involvement of mitochondria in ferroptosis could lead to more effective approaches for both basic cell biology studies and medical treatments.

Harnessing ferroptosis for enhanced sarcoma treatment: mechanisms, progress and prospects

Sarcoma is a malignant tumor that originates from mesenchymal tissue. The common treatment for sarcoma is surgery supplemented with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, patients have a 5-year survival rate of only approximately 60%, and sarcoma cells are highly resistant to chemotherapy. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent nonapoptotic type of regulated programmed cell death that is closely related to the pathophysiological processes underlying tumorigenesis, neurological diseases and other conditions. Moreover, ferroptosis is mediated via multiple regulatory pathways that may be targets for disease therapy. Recent studies have shown that the induction of ferroptosis is an effective way to kill sarcoma cells and reduce their resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. Moreover, ferroptosis-related genes are related to the immune system, and their expression can be used to predict sarcoma prognosis. In this review, we describe the molecular mechanism underlying ferroptosis in detail, systematically summarize recent research progress with respect to ferroptosis application as a sarcoma treatment in various contexts, and point out gaps in the theoretical research on ferroptosis, challenges to its clinical application, potential resolutions of these challenges to promote ferroptosis as an efficient, reliable and novel method of clinical sarcoma treatment.

Ferroptosis in cancer: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic strategies

Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic form of regulated cell death characterized by the lethal accumulation of iron-dependent membrane-localized lipid peroxides. It acts as an innate tumor suppressor mechanism and participates in the biological processes of tumors. Intriguingly, mesenchymal and dedifferentiated cancer cells, which are usually resistant to apoptosis and traditional therapies, are exquisitely vulnerable to ferroptosis, further underscoring its potential as a treatment approach for cancers, especially for refractory cancers. However, the impact of ferroptosis on cancer extends beyond its direct cytotoxic effect on tumor cells. Ferroptosis induction not only inhibits cancer but also promotes cancer development due to its potential negative impact on anticancer immunity. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the role of ferroptosis in cancer is crucial for the successful translation of ferroptosis therapy from the laboratory to clinical applications. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent advancements in understanding ferroptosis in cancer, covering molecular mechanisms, biological functions, regulatory pathways, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment. We also summarize the potential applications of ferroptosis induction in immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy, as well as ferroptosis inhibition for cancer treatment in various conditions. We finally discuss ferroptosis markers, the current challenges and future directions of ferroptosis in the treatment of cancer.

Progress of Ferroptosis in Ischemic Stroke and Therapeutic Targets

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death (PCD) and ischemic stroke (IS) has been confirmed to be closely related to ferroptosis. The mechanisms of ferroptosis were summarized into three interrelated aspects: iron metabolism, lipid peroxide metabolism, as well as glutathione and amino acid metabolism. What's more, the causal relationship between ferroptosis and IS has been elucidated by several processes. The disruption of the blood-brain barrier, the release of excitatory amino acids, and the inflammatory response after ischemic stroke all lead to the disorder of iron metabolism and the antioxidant system. Based on these statements, we reviewed the reported effects of compounds and drugs treating IS by modulating key molecules in ferroptosis. Through detailed analysis of the roles of these key molecules, we have also more clearly demonstrated the essential effect of ferroptosis in the occurrence of IS so as to provide new targets and ideas for the therapeutic targets of IS.

Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor 3 Activation Is Involved in the Regulation of Ferroptosis

Ferroptosis, a unique form of programmed cell death trigged by lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation, has been implicated in embryonic erythropoiesis and aging. Our previous research demonstrated that lysophosphatidic acid receptor 3 (LPA3) activation mitigated oxidative stress in progeria cells and accelerated the recovery of acute anemia in mice. Given that both processes involve iron metabolism, we hypothesized that LPA3 activation might mediate cellular ferroptosis. In this study, we used an LPA3 agonist, 1-Oleoyl-2-O-methyl-rac-glycerophosphothionate (OMPT), to activate LPA3 and examine its effects on the ferroptosis process. OMPT treatment elevated anti-ferroptosis gene protein expression, including solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and ferritin heavy chain (FTH1), in erastin-induced cells. Furthermore, OMPT reduced lipid peroxidation and intracellular ferrous iron accumulation, as evidenced by C11 BODIPY™ 581/591 Lipid Peroxidation Sensor and FerroOrange staining. These observations were validated by applying LPAR3 siRNA in the experiments mentioned above. In addition, the protein expression level of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2), a key regulator of oxidative stress, was also enhanced in OMPT-treated cells. Lastly, we verified that LPA3 plays a critical role in erastin-induced ferroptotic human erythroleukemia K562 cells. OMPT rescued the erythropoiesis defect caused by erastin in K562 cells based on a Gly A promoter luciferase assay. Taken together, our findings suggest that LPA3 activation inhibits cell ferroptosis by suppressing lipid oxidation and iron accumulation, indicating that ferroptosis could potentially serve as a link among LPA3, erythropoiesis, and aging.

Ferroptosis and its modulators: A raising target for cancer and Alzheimer's disease

The process of ferroptosis, a recently identified form of regulated cell death (RCD) is associated with the overloading of iron species and lipid-derived ROS accumulation. Ferroptosis is induced by various mechanisms such as inhibiting system Xc, glutathione depletion, targeting excess iron, and directly inhibiting GPX4 enzyme. Also, ferroptosis inhibition is achieved by blocking excessive lipid peroxidation by targeting different pathways. These mechanisms are often related to the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. Fundamentally distinct from other forms of cell death, such as necrosis and apoptosis, ferroptosis differs in terms of biochemistry, functions, and morphology. The mechanism by which ferroptosis acts as a regulatory factor in many diseases remains elusive. Studying the activation and inhibition of ferroptosis as a means to mitigate the progression of various diseases is a highly intriguing and actively researched topic. It has emerged as a focal point in etiological research and treatment strategies. This review systematically summarizes the different mechanisms involved in the inhibition and induction of ferroptosis. We have extensively explored different agents that can induce or inhibit ferroptosis. This review offers current perspectives on recent developments in ferroptosis research, highlighting the disease's etiology and presenting references to enhance its understanding. It also explores new targets for the treatment of cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

Ferroptosis and metabolic syndrome and complications: association, mechanism, and translational applications

Metabolic syndrome is a medical condition characterized by several metabolic disorders in the body. Long-term metabolic disorders raise the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, it is essential to actively explore the aetiology of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its comorbidities to provide effective treatment options. Ferroptosis is a new form of cell death that is characterized by iron overload, lipid peroxide accumulation, and decreased glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) activity, and it involves the pathological processes of a variety of diseases. Lipid deposition caused by lipid diseases and iron overload is significant in metabolic syndrome, providing the theoretical conditions for developing ferroptosis. Recent studies have found that the major molecules of ferroptosis are linked to common metabolic syndrome consequences, such as T2DM and atherosclerosis. In this review, we first discussed the mechanics of ferroptosis, the regulatory function of inducers and inhibitors of ferroptosis, and the significance of iron loading in MetS. Next, we summarized the role of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of MetS, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Finally, we discussed relevant ferroptosis-targeted therapies and raised some crucial issues of concern to provide directions for future Mets-related treatments and research.

Ferroptosis, Metabolic Rewiring, and Endometrial Cancer

Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of regulated cell death. The main feature of ferroptosis is excessive membrane lipid peroxidation caused by iron-mediated chemical and enzymatic reactions. In normal cells, harmful lipid peroxides are neutralized by glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). When GPX4 is inhibited, ferroptosis occurs. In mammalian cells, ferroptosis serves as a tumor suppression mechanism. Not surprisingly, in recent years, ferroptosis induction has gained attention as a potential anticancer strategy, alone or in combination with other conventional therapies. However, sensitivity to ferroptosis inducers depends on the metabolic state of the cell. Endometrial cancer (EC) is the sixth most common cancer in the world, with more than 66,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Out of all gynecological cancers, carcinogenesis of EC is mostly dependent on metabolic abnormalities. Changes in the uptake and catabolism of iron, lipids, glucose, and glutamine affect the redox capacity of EC cells and, consequently, their sensitivity to ferroptosis-inducing agents. In addition to this, in EC cells, ferroptosis-related genes are usually mutated and overexpressed, which makes ferroptosis a promising target for EC prediction, diagnosis, and therapy. However, for a successful application of ferroptosis, the connection between metabolic rewiring and ferroptosis in EC needs to be deciphered, which is the focus of this review.

Ferroptosis in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure

Heart failure has become a public health problem that we cannot avoid choosing to face in today's context. In the case of heart failure, pathological cardiac hypertrophy plays a major role because of its condition of absolute increase in ventricular mass under various stresses. Ferroptosis, it could be defined as regulatory mechanisms that regulate cell death in the absence of apoptosis in iron-dependent cells. This paper introduces various new research findings on the use of different regulatory mechanisms of cellular ferroptosis for the treatment of heart failure and cardiac hypertrophy, providing new therapeutic targets and research directions for clinical treatment. The role and mechanism of ferroptosis in the field of heart failure has been increasingly demonstrated, and the relationship between cardiac hypertrophy, which is one of the causes of heart failure, is also an area of research that we should focus on. In addition, the latest applications and progress of inducers and inhibitors of ferroptosis are reported in this paper, updating the breakthroughs in their fields.

Pazopanib ameliorates rotenone-induced Parkinsonism in rats by suppressing multiple regulated cell death mechanisms

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by motor impairments and progressive dopaminergic neuronal death in the substantia nigra (SN). Recently, the involvement of other regulated cell death (RCD) machineries has been highlighted in PD. Necroptosis is controlled by p-RIPK1, p-RIPK3, and p-MLKL and negatively regulated by caspase-8. Ferroptosis is characterized by iron overload and accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Interestingly, the molecular chaperone complex HSP90/CDC37 has been reported to directly regulate necroptosis, ferroptosis, and some PD-associated proteins. We investigated the potential anti-necroptotic and anti-ferroptotic effects of the anti-cancer drug pazopanib, uncovering the HSP90/CDC37 complex as a master RCD modulator in rotenone-induced Parkinsonism in rats. Oral administration of 15 mg/kg pazopanib to rotenone-intoxicated rats for three weeks improved motor deficits, debilitated histopathological changes, and increased striatal dopaminergic levels. Pazopanib suppressed LRRK2 and c-Abl. Pazopanib displayed an anti-necroptotic effect through inhibition of the p-RIPK1/p-RIPK3/p-MLKL pathway and activation of caspase-8. Moreover, pazopanib inhibited the ferroptotic p-VEGFR2-PKCβII-PLC-γ-ACSL-4 pathway, iron, 4-HNE, and PTGS2 while increasing GPX-4 and GSH levels. Taken together, the current research sheds light on the repositioning of pazopanib targeting HSP90/CDC37 and its multiple RCD mechanisms, which would offer a new perspective for therapeutic strategies in PD.

Ferroptosis in Parkinson's disease: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN), leading to motor and non-motor symptoms. While the exact mechanisms remain complex and multifaceted, several molecular pathways have been implicated in PD pathology, including accumulation of misfolded proteins, impaired mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, inflammation, elevated iron levels, etc. Overall, PD's molecular mechanisms involve a complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and cellular factors that disrupt cellular homeostasis, and ultimately lead to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Recently, emerging evidence highlights ferroptosis, an iron-dependent non-apoptotic cell death process, as a pivotal player in the advancement of PD. Notably, oligomeric α-synuclein (α-syn) generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxides within cellular membranes, potentially triggering ferroptosis. The loss of dopamine, a hallmark of PD, could predispose neurons to ferroptotic vulnerability. This unique form of cell demise unveils fresh insights into PD pathogenesis, necessitating an exploration of the molecular intricacies connecting ferroptosis and PD progression. In this review, the molecular and regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis and their connection with the pathological processes of PD have been systematically summarized. Furthermore, the features of ferroptosis in PD animal models and clinical trials targeting ferroptosis as a therapeutic approach in PD patients' management are scrutinized.

Targeting ferroptosis opens new avenues for the development of novel therapeutics

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death with distinct characteristics, including altered iron homeostasis, reduced defense against oxidative stress, and abnormal lipid peroxidation. Recent studies have provided compelling evidence supporting the notion that ferroptosis plays a key pathogenic role in many diseases such as various cancer types, neurodegenerative disease, diseases involving tissue and/or organ injury, and inflammatory and infectious diseases. Although the precise regulatory networks that underlie ferroptosis are largely unknown, particularly with respect to the initiation and progression of various diseases, ferroptosis is recognized as a bona fide target for the further development of treatment and prevention strategies. Over the past decade, considerable progress has been made in developing pharmacological agonists and antagonists for the treatment of these ferroptosis-related conditions. Here, we provide a detailed overview of our current knowledge regarding ferroptosis, its pathological roles, and its regulation during disease progression. Focusing on the use of chemical tools that target ferroptosis in preclinical studies, we also summarize recent advances in targeting ferroptosis across the growing spectrum of ferroptosis-associated pathogenic conditions. Finally, we discuss new challenges and opportunities for targeting ferroptosis as a potential strategy for treating ferroptosis-related diseases.

The role of ferroptosis in intervertebral disc degeneration

Nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and cartilage endplate constitute an avascular intervertebral disc (IVD), which is crucial for spinal and intervertebral joint mobility. As one of the most widespread health issues worldwide, intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is recognized as a key contributor to back and neck discomfort. A number of degenerative disorders have a strong correlation with ferroptosis, a recently identified novel regulated cell death (RCD) characterized by an iron-dependent mechanism and a buildup of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS). There is growing interest in the part ferroptosis plays in IVDD pathophysiology. Inhibiting ferroptosis has been shown to control IVDD development. Several studies have demonstrated that in TBHP-induced oxidative stress models, changes in ferroptosis marker protein levels and increased lipid peroxidation lead to the degeneration of intervertebral disc cells, which subsequently aggravates IVDD. Similarly, IVDD is significantly relieved with the use of ferroptosis inhibitors. The purpose of this review was threefold: 1) to discuss the occurrence of ferroptosis in IVDD; 2) to understand the mechanism of ferroptosis and its role in IVDD pathophysiology; and 3) to investigate the feasibility and prospect of ferroptosis in IVDD treatment.

Ferroptosis regulates key signaling pathways in gastrointestinal tumors: Underlying mechanisms and therapeutic strategies

Ferroptosis is an emerging novel form of non-apoptotic, regulated cell death that is heavily dependent on iron and characterized by rupture in plasma membrane. Ferroptosis is distinct from other regulated cell death modalities at the biochemical, morphological, and molecular levels. The ferroptotic signature includes high membrane density, cytoplasmic swelling, condensed mitochondrial membrane, and outer mitochondrial rupture with associated features of accumulation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. The selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase 4, a key regulator of ferroptosis, greatly reduces the lipid overload and protects the cell membrane against oxidative damage. Ferroptosis exerts a momentous role in regulating cancer signaling pathways and serves as a therapeutic target in cancers. Dysregulated ferroptosis orchestrates gastrointestinal (GI) cancer signaling pathways leading to GI tumors such as colonic cancer, pancreatic cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Crosstalk exists between ferroptosis and other cell death modalities. While apoptosis and autophagy play a detrimental role in tumor progression, depending upon the factors associated with tumor microenvironment, ferroptosis plays a decisive role in either promoting tumor growth or suppressing it. Several transcription factors, such as TP53, activating transcription factors 3 and 4, are involved in influencing ferroptosis. Importantly, several molecular mediators of ferroptosis, such as p53, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1, hypoxia inducible factor 1, and sirtuins, coordinate with ferroptosis in GI cancers. In this review, we elaborated on key molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis and the signaling pathways that connect ferroptosis to GI tumors.

Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's Disease: The Role of Dopamine Oxidation Products

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative condition affecting more than 1% of people over 65 years old. It is characterized by the preferential degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, which is responsible for the motor symptoms of PD patients. The pathogenesis of this multifactorial disorder is still elusive, hampering the discovery of therapeutic strategies able to suppress the disease's progression. While redox alterations, mitochondrial dysfunctions, and neuroinflammation are clearly involved in PD pathology, how these processes lead to the preferential degeneration of dopaminergic neurons is still an unanswered question. In this context, the presence of dopamine itself within this neuronal population could represent a crucial determinant. In the present review, an attempt is made to link the aforementioned pathways to the oxidation chemistry of dopamine, leading to the formation of free radical species, reactive quinones and toxic metabolites, and sustaining a pathological vicious cycle.

Location of dopamine in lipid bilayers and its relevance to neuromodulator function

Dopamine (DA) is a neurotransmitter that also acts as a neuromodulator, with both functions being essential to brain function. Here, we present the first experimental measurement of DA location in lipid bilayers using x-ray diffuse scattering, solid-state deuterium NMR, and electron paramagnetic resonance. We find that the association of DA with lipid headgroups as seen in electron density profiles leads to an increase of intermembrane repulsion most likely due to electrostatic charging. DA location in the lipid headgroup region also leads to an increase of the cross-sectional area per lipid without affecting the bending rigidity significantly. The order parameters measured by solid-state deuterium NMR decrease in the presence of DA for the acyl chains of PC and PS lipids, consistent with an increase in the area per lipid due to DA. Most importantly, these results support the hypothesis that three-dimensional diffusion of DA to target membranes could be followed by relatively more efficient two-dimensional diffusion to receptors within those membranes.

Ferroptosis: a potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease

The most prevalent dementia-causing neurodegenerative condition is Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aberrant buildup of amyloid β and tau hyperphosphorylation are the two most well-known theories about the mechanisms underlying AD development. However, a significant number of pharmacological clinical studies conducted around the world based on the two aforementioned theories have not shown promising outcomes, and AD is still not effectively treated. Ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic programmed cell death defined by the buildup of deadly amounts of iron-dependent lipid peroxides, has received more attention in recent years. A wealth of data is emerging to support the role of iron in the pathophysiology of AD. Cell line and animal studies applying ferroptosis modulators to the treatment of AD have shown encouraging results. Based on these studies, we describe in this review the underlying mechanisms of ferroptosis; the role that ferroptosis plays in AD pathology; and summarise some of the research advances in the treatment of AD with ferroptosis modulators. We hope to contribute to the clinical management of AD.

Diabetic Ferroptosis and Pancreatic Cancer: Foe or Friend?

Significance: Pancreatic cancer and diabetes have a reciprocal causation relationship. As a potential risk factor, diabetes increases morbidity and promotes pancreatic cancer progression. The main mechanisms include islet dysfunction-induced systemic metabolic disorder, pancreatic stellate cell activation, and immunosuppression. Ferroptosis is regarded as regulated cell death, which participates in chemotherapy resistance and is refractory to radiation therapy and immunotherapy. Diabetes-induced ferroptosis causes many complications, but the underlying mechanism of diabetes-related ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer has not been discussed. Recent Advances: Ferroptosis alleviates pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) progression by activating chronic inflammation. The specific drugs that cause ferroptosis achieve tumor suppression by inducing lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis plays pro and con roles in cancer. Both the ferroptosis inhibitor and inducer exhibit antitumor effects through killing cancer cells or directly affecting tumor growth. Diabetes-induced ferroptosis contributes to tumor cell death by different components, including tumor cells, fibroblasts, immune cells, and adipocytes. A better understanding of its role in modulating the tumor microenvironment will reveal diabetes-associated ferroptotic features in cancer development, which can be used to figure out possible treatment strategies for cancer patients with hyperglycemia. Critical Issues: We demonstrate the potential roles of diabetes-related ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer progression and discuss ferroptosis-related antitumor effects and therapeutics for pancreatic cancer treatment. Future Directions: Further studies are required to highlight mechanisms of diabetes-mediated ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis and progression. The antitumor effects of ferroptosis regulators combined with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy in diabetic patients should be investigated. We hope that pancreatic cancer patients with diabetes will benefit from ferroptosis-related therapies. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 1206-1221.

Ferroptosis in glioma treatment: Current situation, prospects and drug applications

Ferroptosis is a regulatory form of iron-dependent cell death caused by the accumulation of lipid-based reactive oxygen species (ROS) and differs from apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necrosis. Especially in neoplastic diseases, the susceptibility of tumor cells to ferroptosis affects prognosis and is associated with complex effects. Gliomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors, accounting for disease in 81% of patients with malignant brain tumors. An increasing number of studies have revealed the particular characteristics of iron metabolism in glioma cells. Therefore, agents that target a wide range of molecules involved in ferroptosis may regulate this process and enhance glioma treatment. Here, we review the underlying mechanisms of ferroptosis and summarize the potential therapeutic options for targeting ferroptosis in glioma.

The mechanism and progress of ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the world, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide annually. Because of late diagnosis, rapid metastasis and drug resistance to chemotherapy, pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis. Although the treatment of pancreatic cancer has made tremendous progress, the options for effective treatment are still limited, and new treatment methods are in crying needs to improve prognosis in clinic. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent non-apoptotic cell death mode, which is mediated by lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation. Ferroptosis plays a momentous role in regulating different cancers in recent years, such as breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. In this present review, we elaborate on the regulatory mechanisms and signaling pathways of ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer, with the intention of delivering directions and new ideas for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Emerging Mechanisms and Disease Implications of Ferroptosis: Potential Applications of Natural Products

Ferroptosis, a newly discovered form of regulatory cell death (RCD), has been demonstrated to be distinct from other types of RCD, such as apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy. Ferroptosis is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and oxidative perturbation, and is inhibited by iron chelators and lipophilic antioxidants. This process is regulated by specific pathways and is implicated in diverse biological contexts, mainly including iron homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and glutathione metabolism. A large body of evidence suggests that ferroptosis is interrelated with various physiological and pathological processes, including tumor progression (neuro)degenerative diseases, and hepatic and renal failure. There is an urgent need for the discovery of novel effective ferroptosis-modulating compounds, even though some experimental reagents and approved clinical drugs have been well documented to have anti- or pro-ferroptotic properties. This review outlines recent advances in molecular mechanisms of the ferroptotic death process and discusses its multiple roles in diverse pathophysiological contexts. Furthermore, we summarize chemical compounds and natural products, that act as inducers or inhibitors of ferroptosis in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Herein, it is particularly highlighted that natural products show promising prospects in ferroptosis-associated (adjuvant) therapy with unique advantages of having multiple components, multiple biotargets and slight side effects.

Ferroptosis in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Panoramic Perspective of the Metabolism, Mechanism and Theranostics

Iron is one of the most crucial elements in the human body. In recent years, a kind of programmed, non-apoptotic cell death closely related to iron metabolism-called ferroptosis- has aroused much interest among many scientists. Ferroptosis also interacts with other pathways involved in cell death including iron abnormality, the cystine/glutamate antiporter and lipid peroxidation. Together these pathological pathways exert great impacts on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a lethal cerebrovascular disease with a high incidence rate and mortality rate. Furthermore, the ferroptosis also affects different brain cells (neurons and neuroglial cells) and different organelles (mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum). Clinical treatments for ferroptosis in ICH have been closely investigated recently. This perspective provides a comprehensive summary of ferroptosis mechanisms after ICH and its interaction with other cell death patterns. Understanding the role of ferroptosis in ICH will open new windows for the future treatments and preventions for ICH and other intracerebral diseases.

Profiling the chemical nature of anti-oxytotic/ferroptotic compounds with phenotypic screening

Because old age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is critical to target the pathological events that link aging to AD in order to develop an efficient treatment that acts upon the primary causes of the disease. One such event might be the activation of oxytosis/ferroptosis, a unique cell death mechanism characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and lethal lipid peroxidation. Here, a comprehensive library of >900 natural compounds was screened for protection against oxytosis/ferroptosis in nerve cells with the goal of better understanding the chemical nature of inhibitors of oxytosis/ferroptosis. Although the compounds tested spanned structurally diverse chemical classes from animal, microbial, plant and synthetic origins, a small set of very potent anti-oxytotic/ferroptotic compounds was identified that was highly enriched in plant quinones. The ability of these compounds to protect against oxytosis/ferroptosis strongly correlated with their ability to protect against in vitro ischemia and intracellular amyloid-beta toxicity in nerve cells, indicating that aspects of oxytosis/ferroptosis also underly other toxicities that are relevant to AD. Importantly, the anti-oxytotic/ferroptotic character of the quinone compounds relied on their capacity to target and directly prevent lipid peroxidation in a manner that required the reducing activity of cellular redox enzymes, such as NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1). Because some of the compounds increased the production of total reactive oxygen species while decreasing lipid peroxidation, it appears that the pro-oxidant character of a compound can coexist with an inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation and, consequently, still prevent oxytosis/ferroptosis. These findings have significant implications for the understanding of oxytosis/ferroptosis and open new approaches to the development of future neurotherapies.

The role of ferroptosis in organ toxicity

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death, is characterized by iron overload, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and depletion of glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation. Lipophilic antioxidants and iron chelators can prevent ferroptosis. GSH-dependent glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) prevents lipid ROS accumulation. Ferroptosis is thought to be initiated through GPX4 inactivation. Moreover, mitochondrial iron overload derived from the degradation of ferritin is involved in increasing ROS generation. Ferroptosis has been suggested to explain the mechanism of action of organ toxicity induced by several drugs and chemicals. Inhibition of ferroptosis may provide novel therapeutic opportunities for treatment and even prevention of such organ toxicities.

Targeting Ferroptosis for Lung Diseases: Exploring Novel Strategies in Ferroptosis-Associated Mechanisms

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent regulated necrosis characterized by the peroxidation damage of lipid molecular containing unsaturated fatty acid long chain on the cell membrane or organelle membrane after cellular deactivation restitution system, resulting in the cell membrane rupture. Ferroptosis is biochemically and morphologically distinct and disparate from other forms of regulated cell death. Recently, mounting studies have investigated the mechanism of ferroptosis, and numerous proteins play vital roles in regulating ferroptosis. With detailed studies, emerging evidence indicates that ferroptosis is found in multiple lung diseases, demonstrating that ferroptosis appears to be particularly important for lung diseases. The mounting interest in ferroptosis drugs specifically targeting the ferroptosis mechanism holds substantial therapeutic promise in lung diseases. The present review emphatically summarizes the functions and integrated molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis in various lung diseases, proposing that multiangle regulation of ferroptosis might be a promising strategy for the clinical treatment of lung diseases.

Organelle-specific regulation of ferroptosis

Ferroptosis, a cell death modality characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, is involved in the development of multiple pathological conditions, including ischemic tissue damage, infection, neurodegeneration, and cancer. The cellular machinery responsible for the execution of ferroptosis integrates multiple pro-survival or pro-death signals from subcellular organelles and then 'decides' whether to engage the lethal process or not. Here, we outline the evidence implicating different organelles (including mitochondria, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, lipid droplets, peroxisomes, Golgi apparatus, and nucleus) in the ignition or avoidance of ferroptosis, while emphasizing their potential relevance for human disease and their targetability for pharmacological interventions.

Ferroptosis-related genes are potential prognostic molecular markers for patients with colorectal cancer

Ferroptosis is a newly discovered programmed cell death that plays a vital role in the occurrence and development of tumors. However, little is known about its prognostic value of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study was to investigate the clinical significance of FRGs on overall survival (OS) of patients with CRC. The mRNA expression profiles and corresponding clinical data of CRC patients were downloaded from public databases. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression was applied to identify hub FRGs and establish a novel ferroptosis-related gene signature in predicting OS in training cohort, and assessed in the validation cohort. Then, the genomic-clinicopathologic nomogram integrating risk scores and clinicopathological features were established. Thirteen FRGs were identified to be most significantly related to the OS of CRC patients. Based on the LASSO Cox regression algorithm, we selected 10 genes from 13 FRGs to establish a prognostic risk signature. The log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed the predictive value of the risk scores for OS in CRC patients. The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (tdROC) of signature indicates the showed powerful prediction ability in both training cohort and validation cohort. Then, a genomic-clinicopathologic nomogram integrating age, stage, and risk scores was established and demonstrated high predictive accuracy and clinical value, which was validated through tdROC and calibration curves. The ferroptosis-related gene signature and genomic-clinicopathologic nomogram could be used to predict the prognosis of CRC patients and might also be potential therapeutic targets.

Dopamine-loaded lipid based nanocarriers for intranasal administration of the neurotransmitter: A comparative study

Both dopamine (DA) loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) and liposomes (Lip), designed for intranasal administration of the neurotransmitter as an innovative Parkinson disease treatment, were already characterized in vitro in some extent by us (Trapani et al., 2018a and Cometa et al., 2020, respectively). Herein, to gain insight into the structure of SLN, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Analysis was carried out and DA-SLN (SLN 1) were found to exhibit high amounts of the neurotransmitter on the surface, whereas the external side of Glycol Chitosan (GCS) containing SLN (SLN 2) possessed only few amounts. However, SLN 2 were characterized by the highest encapsulation DA efficiency (i.e., 81%). Furthermore, in view of intranasal administration, mucoadhesion tests in vitro were also conducted for SLN and Lip formulations, evidencing high muchoadesive effect exerted by SLN 2. Concerning ex-vivo studies, SLN and Lip were found to be safe for Olfactory Ensheathing Cells and fluorescent SLN 2 were taken up in a dose-dependent manner reaching the 100% of positive cells, while Lip 2 (chitosan-glutathione-coated) were internalised by 70% OECs with six-times more lipid concentration. Hence, SLN 2 formulation containing DA and GCS may constitute interesting formulations for further studies and promising dosage form for non-invasive nose-to-brain neurotransmitter delivery.

Mesenchymal stem cells from different sources show distinct therapeutic effects in hyperoxia-induced bronchopulmonary dysplasia in rats

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown as an effective medicinal means to treat bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The widely used MSCs were from Wharton's jelly of umbilical cord (UC-MSCs) and bone marrow (BM-MSCs). Amniotic fluid MSCs (AF-MSCs) may be produced before an individual is born to treat foetal diseases by autoplastic transplantation. We evaluated intratracheal (IT) MSCs as an approach to treat an hyperoxia-induced BPD animal model and compared the therapeutic effects between AF-, UC- and BM-MSCs. A BPD animal model was generated by exposing newborn rats to 95% O₂ . The continued stress lasted 21 days, and the treatment of IT MSCs was conducted for 4 days. The therapeutic effects were analysed, including lung histology, level of inflammatory cytokines, cell death ratio and state of angiogenesis, by sacrificing the experimental animal at day 21. The lasting hyperoxia stress induced BPD similar to the biological phenotype. The treatment of IT MSCs was safe without deaths and normal organ histopathology. Specifically, the treatment was effective by inhibiting the alveolar dilatation, reducing inflammatory cytokines, inducing angiogenesis and lowering the cell death ratio. AF-MSCs had better therapeutic effects compared with UC-MSCs in relieving the pulmonary alveoli histological changes and promoting neovascularization, and UC-MSCs had the best immunosuppressive effect in plasma and lung lysis compared with AF-MSCs and BM-MSCs. This study demonstrated the therapeutic effects of AF-, UC- and BM-MSCs in BPD model. Superior treatment effect was provided by antenatal MSCs compared to BM-MSC in a statistical comparison.

A Novel Ferroptosis-Related Biomarker Signature to Predict Overall Survival of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) accounts for the main esophageal cancer (ESCA) type, which is also associated with the greatest malignant grade and low survival rates worldwide. Ferroptosis is recently discovered as a kind of programmed cell death, which is indicated in various reports to be involved in the regulation of tumor biological behaviors. This work focused on the comprehensive evaluation of the association between ferroptosis-related gene (FRG) expression profiles and prognosis in ESCC patients based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). ALOX12, ALOX12B, ANGPTL7, DRD4, MAPK9, SLC38A1, and ZNF419 were selected to develop a novel ferroptosis-related gene signature for GEO and TCGA cohorts. The prognostic risk model exactly classified patients who had diverse survival outcomes. In addition, this study identified the ferroptosis-related signature as a factor to independently predict the risk of ESCC. Thereafter, we also constructed the prognosis nomogram by incorporating clinical factors and risk score, and the calibration plots illustrated good prognostic performance. Moreover, the association of the risk score with immune checkpoints was observed. Collectively, the proposed ferroptosis-related gene signature in our study is effective and has a potential clinical application to predict the prognosis of ESCC.

Emerging mechanisms and targeted therapy of ferroptosis in cancer

Ferroptosis is an iron- and lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent form of programmed cell death that is distinct from other forms of regulatory cell death at the morphological, biological, and genetic levels. Emerging evidence suggests critical roles for ferroptosis in cell metabolism, the redox status, and various diseases, such as cancers, nervous system diseases, and ischemia-reperfusion injury, with ferroptosis-related proteins. Ferroptosis is inhibited in diverse cancer types and functions as a dynamic tumor suppressor in cancer development, indicating that the regulation of ferroptosis can be utilized as an interventional target for tumor treatment. Small molecules and nanomaterials that reprogram cancer cells to undergo ferroptosis are considered effective drugs for cancer therapy. Here, we systematically summarize the molecular basis of ferroptosis, the suppressive effect of ferroptosis on tumors, the effect of ferroptosis on cellular metabolism and the tumor microenvironment (TME), and ferroptosis-inducing agents for tumor therapeutics. An understanding of the latest progress in ferroptosis could provide references for proposing new potential targets for the treatment of cancers.

Idebenone Ameliorates Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease in Rats Through Decreasing Lipid Peroxidation

Oxidative stress is considered one of the mechanisms responsible for neurodegenerative diseases, especially for Parkinson's disease. Since oxidative stress causes pathological changes in neuronal structures antioxidant compounds gained significant attention the last decades. Although several antioxidant compounds showed neuroprotective actions in Parkinson's disease models, only a few of them demonstrated protective effects against loss of striatal dopaminergic neurons. Idebenone is an analog of the well-known antioxidant compound coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Clinical safety of idebenone is well described, and due to its high antioxidant capacity currently used to treat Freidrich's ataxia and Alzheimer's disease. Like Parkinson's disease, these diseases are characterized by oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial balance in neurons. However, knowledge about the effects of idebenone on Parkinson's disease is limited. Therefore, in this study we aimed to investigate and delineate the possible effects of idebenone in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease models. Idebenone (200 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited the decrease of striatal expression of NAD(P)H dehydrogenase[quinone]-1, which is an essential element for mitochondrial respiration. Idebenone decreased the striatal levels of the lipid peroxidation products and increased the expression of glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPx-4), which is primarily known for lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. Furthermore, idebenone mitigated motor impairment and increased tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neuron survival. Together our results thus indicate that that idebenone has protective effects against a rotenone insult with pleiotropic actions on the cellular oxidative enzymes and lipid peroxidation.