Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure leads to ferroptosis via the HIF-1α/HO-1 signaling pathway in mouse testes

Maslinic acid supplementation prevents di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced apoptosis via PRDX6 in peritubular myoid cells of Chinese forest musk deer

Chinese forest musk deer (FMD), an endangered species, have exhibited low reproductive rates even in captivity due to stress conditions. Investigation revealed the presence of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an environmental endocrine disruptor, in the serum and skin of captive FMDs. Feeding FMDs with maslinic acid (MA) has been observed to alleviate the stress response and improve reproductive rates, although the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the alleviation of DEHP-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in primary peritubular myoid cells (PMCs) through MA intake. Primary PMCs were isolated and exposed to DEHP in vitro. The results demonstrated that DEHP significantly suppressed antioxidant levels and promoted cell apoptosis in primary PMCs. Moreover, interfering with the expression of PRDX6 was found to induce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell apoptosis in primary PMCs. Supplementation with MA significantly upregulated the expression of PRDX6, thereby attenuating DEHP-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in primary PMCs. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for mitigating stress levels and enhancing reproductive capacity of in captive FMDs.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) induces testosterone disruption by triggering ferroptosis through SIRT1/HIF-1α signaling pathway in male mice

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a significant component of air pollution particulate matter, is inevitable and closely associated with increasing male reproductive disorder. However, the testicular targets of PM2.5 and its toxicity related molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood. In this study, the conditional knockout (cKO) mice and primary Leydig cells were used to explore the testicular targets of PM2.5 and the related underlying mechanisms. First, apparent the structure impairment of seminiferous tubules, Leydig cells vacuolization, decline of serum testosterone and sperm quality reduction were found in male wild-type (WT) and Sirt1 knockout mice after exposure to PM2.5. Enrichment analyses revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in steroid hormone biosynthesis, ferroptosis, and HIF-1 signaling pathway in the mice testes after exposure to PM2.5, which were subsequently verified by the molecular biological analyses. Notably, similar enrichment analyses results were also observed in primary Leydig cells after treatment with PM2.5. In addition, Knockdown of Sirt1 significantly increased PM2.5-induced expression and activation of HIF-1α, which was in parallel to the changes of cellular iron levels, oxidative stress indicators and the ferroptosis markers. In conclusion, this highlights that PM2.5 triggers ferroptosis via SIRT1/HIF-1α signaling pathway to inhibit testosterone synthesis in males. These findings provide a novel research support for the study that PM2.5 causes male reproductive injury.

Comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs, circRNAs, and miRNAs and their ceRNA network in the testis of cattle-yak, yak, and cattle

Cattle-yak is a hybrid offspring resulting from the crossbreeding of yak and cattle, and it exhibits substantial heterosis in production performance. However, male sterility in cattle-yak remains a concern. Reports suggest that noncoding RNAs are involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis. Therefore, in this study, we comprehensively compared testicular transcription profiles among cattle, yak, and cattle-yak. Numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs), differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs), and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified in the intersection of two comparison groups, namely cattle versus cattle-yak and yak versus cattle-yak, with the number of DEGs, DECs, and DEMs being 4968, 360, and 59, respectively. The DEGs in cattle-yaks, cattle, and yaks were mainly associated with spermatogenesis, male gamete generation, and sexual reproduction. Concurrently, GO and KEGG analyses indicated that DEC host genes and DEM source genes were involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis. The construction of a potential competing endogenous RNA network revealed that some differentially expressed noncoding RNAs may be involved in regulating the expression of genes related to testicular spermatogenesis, including miR-423-5p, miR-449b, miR-34b/c, and miR-15b, as well as previously unreported miR-6123 and miR-1306, along with various miRNA-circRNA interaction pairs. This study serves as a valuable reference for further investigations into the mechanisms underlying male sterility in cattle-yaks.

Regulation of FSP1 myristoylation by NADPH: A novel mechanism for ferroptosis inhibition

Excitotoxicity is a prevalent pathological event in neurodegenerative diseases. The involvement of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of excitotoxicity remains elusive. Transcriptome analysis has revealed that cytoplasmic reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) levels are associated with susceptibility to ferroptosis-inducing compounds. Here we show that exogenous NADPH, besides being reductant, interacts with N-myristoyltransferase 2 (NMT2) and upregulates the N-myristoylated ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1). NADPH increases membrane-localized FSP1 and strengthens resistance to ferroptosis. Arg-291 of NMT2 is critical for the NADPH-NMT2-FSP1 axis-mediated suppression of ferroptosis. This study suggests that NMT2 plays a pivotal role by bridging NADPH levels and neuronal susceptibility to ferroptosis. We propose a mechanism by which the NADPH regulates N-myristoylation, which has important implications for ferroptosis and disease treatment.

TFEB ameliorates DEHP-induced neurotoxicity by activating GAL3/TRIM16 axis dependent lysophagy and alleviating lysosomal dysfunction

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a commonly used plasticizer with known neurotoxic effects. However, the specific mechanism underlying this neurotoxicity remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of lysosomal function and lysophagy in DEHP-induced neurotoxicity, with a particular focus on the regulatory role of Transcription factor EB (TFEB). To achieve this, we utilized in vitro models of DEHP-exposed SH-SY5Y cells and HT22 cells. Our findings revealed that DEHP exposure led to lysosomal damage and dysfunction. Moreover, we observed impaired autophagic degradation, characterized by elevated levels of LC3II and p62. DEHP treatment downregulated the expression of TFEB, GAL3, and TRIM16, while upregulating the expression of PARP. This led to the inhibition of GAL3/TRIM16 axis dependent lysophagy and ultimately excessive apoptosis in neuronal cells. Importantly, TFEB overexpression alleviated lysosomal dysfunction, activated lysophagy, and mitigated DEHP-induced apoptosis. Overall, our results suggest that DEHP induces not only lysosomal dysfunction, but also inhibits lysophagy through the suppression of GAL3/TRIM16 axis. Consequently, impaired clearance of damaged lysosomes occurs, culminating in neuronal apoptosis. Taken together, our findings highlight the critical role of TFEB in regulating lysophagy and lysosomal function. Furthermore, TFEB may serve as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating DEHP-induced neuronal toxicity.

Semaglutide mitigates testicular damage in diabetes by inhibiting ferroptosis

Diabetes is linked to male infertility, but the mechanisms and therapeutic options remain unclear. This study investigates the effects of semaglutide on testicular function in a diabetes mouse model. Clinical data shows that diabetes affects blood glucose, lipid levels, and sperm quality. Single-cell and transcriptome analyses reveal changes in testicular tissue cell proportions and activation of ferroptosis pathways in diabetic patients/rats. In the diabetes mouse model, sperm quality decreases significantly. Treatment with semaglutide (Sem) and the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) alleviates testicular damage, as evidenced by improved lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis markers. Moreover, the diabetes-induced decrease in the TM-3 cell line's vitality, increased lipid peroxidation, ROS, ferrous ions, and mitochondrial membrane potential damage are all improved by semaglutide and ferrostatin-1 intervention. Overall, these findings highlight semaglutide's potential as a therapeutic approach for mitigating diabetes-induced testicular damage through modulation of the ferroptosis pathway.

Aggregation-Induced Emission CN-Based Nanoparticles to Alleviate Hypoxic Liver Fibrosis via Triggering HSC Ferroptosis and Enhancing Photodynamic Therapy

Hypoxia can lead to liver fibrosis and severely limits the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Herein, carbon nitride (CN)-based hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) VPSGCNs@TSI for light-driven water splitting were utilized to solve this problem. CNs were doped with selenide glucose (Se-glu) to enhance their red/NIR region absorption. Then, vitamin A-poly(ethylene glycol) (VA-PEG) fragments and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) photosensitizers TSI were introduced into Se-glu-doped CN NPs (VPSGCNs) to construct VPSGCNs@TSI NPs. The introduction of VA-PEG fragments enhanced the targeting of the NPs to activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and reduced their toxicity to ordinary liver cells. VPSGCN units could trigger water splitting to generate O2 under 660 nm laser irradiation, improve the hypoxic environment of the fibrosis site, downregulate HIF-1α expression, and activate HSC ferroptosis via the HIF-1α/SLC7A11 pathway. In addition, generated O2 could also increase the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of TSI units in a hypoxic environment, thereby completely reversing hypoxia-triggered PDT resistance to enhance the PDT effect. The combination of water-splitting materials and photodynamic materials showed a 1 + 1 > 2 effect in increasing oxygen levels in liver fibrosis, promoting ferroptosis of activated HSCs and reversing PDT resistance caused by hypoxia.

Dibutyl phthalate exposure induced mitochondria-dependent ferroptosis by enhancing VDAC2 in zebrafish ZF4 cells

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) contamination has raised global concern for decades, while its health risk with toxic mechanisms requires further elaboration. This study used zebrafish ZF4 cells to investigate the toxicity of ferroptosis with underlying mechanisms in response to DBP exposure. Results showed that DBP induced ferroptosis, characterized by accumulation of ferrous iron, lipid peroxidation, and decrease of glutathione peroxidase 4 levels in a time-dependent manner, subsequently reduced cell viability. Transcriptome analysis revealed that voltage-dependent anion-selective channel (VDAC) in mitochondrial outer membrane was upregulated in ferroptosis signaling pathways. Protecting mitochondria with a VDAC2 inhibitor or siRNAs attenuated the accumulation of mitochondrial superoxide and lipid peroxides, the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), and the overload of iron levels, suggesting VDAC2 oligomerization mediated the influx of iron into mitochondria that is predominant and responsible for mitochondria-dependent ferroptosis under DBP exposure. Furthermore, the pivotal role of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) was identified in the transcriptional regulation of vdac2 by ChIP assay. And the intervention of atf4b inhibited DBP-induced VDAC2 upregulation and oligomerization. Taken together, this study reveals that ATF4-VDAC2 signaling pathway is involved in the DBP-induced ferroptosis in zebrafish ZF4 cells, contributing to the in-depth understanding of biotoxicity and the ecological risk assessment of phthalates.

Detrimental Roles of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α in Severe Hypoxic Brain Diseases

Hypoxia stabilizes hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), facilitating adaptation to hypoxic conditions. Appropriate hypoxia is pivotal for neurovascular regeneration and immune cell mobilization. However, in central nervous system (CNS) injury, prolonged and severe hypoxia harms the brain by triggering neurovascular inflammation, oxidative stress, glial activation, vascular damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death. Diminished hypoxia in the brain improves cognitive function in individuals with CNS injuries. This review discusses the current evidence regarding the contribution of severe hypoxia to CNS injuries, with an emphasis on HIF-1α-mediated pathways. During severe hypoxia in the CNS, HIF-1α facilitates inflammasome formation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death. This review presents the molecular mechanisms by which HIF-1α is involved in the pathogenesis of CNS injuries, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's disease. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms of HIF-1α will contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies for severe hypoxic brain diseases.

Phthalate exposure aggravates periodontitis by activating NFκB pathway

BACKGROUND

Phthalates are widely used plasticizers, which were identified as risk factors in the development of many human diseases. However, the effects of phthalates in the periodontitis are unknown. We aimed to investigated the relationship of periodontitis and phthalate exposure as well as the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were employed to evaluate the association between phthalate metabolites and periodontitis. The generalized additive model and piecewise logistic regression were conducted to investigate the dose-response relationship. Cell and animal models were used to explore the role and mechanism of DEHP in the development of periodontitis. Transcriptome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, western blot, immunofluorescence and mice model of periodontitis were also employed.

RESULTS

MEHP (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05-1.24), MCPP (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00-1.17), MEHHP (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.08-1.29), MEOHP (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.07-1.29), MiBP (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04-1.28), and MECPP (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.09-1.32) were independent risk factors. And MEHHP, the metabolite of DEHP, showed the relative most important effects on periodontitis with the highest weight (0.34) among all risk factors assessed. And the increase of inflammation and the activation of NFκB pathway in the periodontitis model mice and cells were observed.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to multiple phthalates was positively associated with periodontitis in US adults between 30 and 80 years old. And DEHP aggravated inflammation in periodontitis by activating NFκB pathway.

Role of ferroptosis in food-borne mycotoxin-induced toxicities

Contamination by toxic substances is a major global food safety issue, which poses a serious threat to human health. Mycotoxins are major class of food contaminants, mainly including aflatoxins (AFs), zearalenone (ZON), deoxynivalenol (DON), ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisins (FBs) and patulin (PAT). Ferroptosis is a newly identified iron-dependent form of programmed or regulated cell death, which has been found to be involved in diverse pathological conditions. Recently, a growing body of evidence has shown that ferroptosis is implicated in the toxicities induced by certain types of food-borne mycotoxins, which provides novel mechanistic insights into mycotoxin-induced toxicities and paves the way for developing ferroptosis-based strategy to combat against toxicities of mycotoxins. In this review article, we summarize the key findings on the involvement of ferroptosis in mycotoxin-induced toxicities and propose issues that need to be addressed in future studies for better utilization of ferroptosis-based approach to manage the toxic effects of mycotoxin contamination.

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induced lipophagy-related renal ferroptosis in quail (Coturnix japonica)

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a synthetic chemical applied as a plasticizer. As an environmental toxicant, DEHP poses a serious health threat. Many studies have revealed that DEHP can cause lead to various degrees of damage to the kidney. However, the evidence of DEHP-induced renal ferroptosis has not been reported. The purpose of this work was to probe the specific role of lipophagy in DEHP-induced renal injury and to investigate the relationship between lipophagy and ferroptosis. Quail were treated with DEHP (250 mg/kg BW/day, 500 mg/kg BW/day and 750 mg/kg BW/day) for 45 days. Microstructural and ultrastructural observations showed that DEHP caused damage to glomerular and tubular cells, and autophagy with multilayer structures were observed, suggesting that DEHP can induce lipophagy. The results indicated that the iron homeostasis was abnormal and the lipid peroxidation was increased. SLC7A11 and SLC3A2 were down-regulated. PTGS2, ACSL4 and LPCAT3 were elevated. In conclusion, DEHP could induce lipid peroxidation, lead to ferroptosis, and damage renal cells. Therefore, the relationship between lipophagy and ferroptosis was elucidated, which provided a new basis for intervention and prevention of DEHP increased diseases.

Endocrine Disruptors and Metabolic Changes: Impact on Puberty Control

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the significant impact of environmental chemicals on disease development, focusing on their role in developing metabolic and endocrine diseases. The objective is to understand how these chemicals contribute to the increasing prevalence of precocious puberty, considering various factors, including epigenetic changes, lifestyle, and emotional disturbances.

METHODS

The study employs a comprehensive review of descriptive observational studies in both human and animal models to identify a degree of causality between exposure to environmental chemicals and disease development, specifically focusing on endocrine disruption. Due to ethical constraints, direct causation studies in human subjects are not feasible; therefore, the research relies on accumulated observational data.

RESULTS

Puberty is a crucial life period with marked physiological and psychological changes. The age at which sexual characteristics develop is changing in many regions. The findings indicate a correlation between exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and the early onset of puberty. These chemicals have been shown to interfere with normal hormonal processes, particularly during critical developmental stages such as adolescence. The research also highlights the interaction of these chemical exposures with other factors, including nutritional history, social and lifestyle changes, and emotional stress, which together contribute to the prevalence of precocious puberty.

CONCLUSION

Environmental chemicals significantly contribute to the development of certain metabolic and endocrine diseases, particularly in the rising incidence of precocious puberty. Although the evidence is mainly observational, it adequately justifies regulatory actions to reduce exposure risks. Furthermore, these findings highlight the urgent need for more research on the epigenetic effects of these chemicals and their wider impact on human health, especially during vital developmental periods.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure induces premature testicular senescence by disrupting mitochondrial respiratory chain through STAT5B-mitoSTAT3 in Leydig cell

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a prevalent plasticizer, is known to have endocrine-disrupting effects on males and cause reproductive toxicity. There were causal effects of DEHP on testosterone levels in the real world by Mendelian randomization analysis. Exposure to DEHP during the preadult stage might lead to premature testicular senescence, but the mechanisms responsible for this have yet to be determined. In this study, we administered DEHP (300 mg/kg/day) to male C57BL/6 mice from postnatal days 21 to 49. The mice were kept for 6 months without DEHP. RNA sequencing was conducted on testicular tissue at PNM6. The results indicated that DEHP hindered testicular development, lowered serum testosterone levels in male mice, and induced premature testicular senescence. TM3 Leydig cells were exposed to 300 μM of mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), the bioactive metabolite of DEHP, for 72 h. The results also found that DEHP/MEHP induced senescence in vivo and in vitro. The mitochondrial respiratory chain was disrupted in Leydig cells. The expression and stability of STAT5B were elevated by MEHP treatment in TM3 cells. Furthermore, p-ERK1/2 was significantly decreased by STAT5B, and mitochondria-STAT3 (p-STAT3 ser727) was significantly decreased due to the decrease of p-ERK1/2. Additionally, the senescence level of TM3 cells was decreased and treated with 5 mM NAC for 1 h after MEHP treatment. In conclusion, these findings provided a novel mechanistic understanding of Leydig cells by disrupting the mitochondrial respiratory chain through STAT5B-mitoSTAT3.

Genistein prevents the production of hypospadias induced by Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate through androgen signaling and antioxidant response in rats

Environmental estrogen exposure has increased dramatically over the past 50 years. In particular, prenatal exposure to estrogen causes many congenital diseases, among which reproductive system development disorders are extremely serious. In this study, the molecular mechanism of hypospadias and the therapeutic effect of genistein (GEN) were investigated through in vivo models prepared by Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) exposure between 12 and 19 days of gestation. With increased DEHP concentrations, the incidence of hypospadias increased gradually. DEHP inhibited the key enzymes involved in steroid synthesis, resulting in decreasing testosterone synthesis. At the same time, DEHP increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and produced inflammatory factors via NADPH oxidase-1 (NOX1) and NADPH oxidase-4 (NOX4) pathways. It also inhibited Steroid 5 α Reductase 2 (Srd5α2) and decreased dihydrotestosterone (DHT) synthesis. Additionally, DEHP inhibited the androgen receptor (AR), resulting in reduced DHT binding to the AR that ultimately retarded the development of the external reproductive system. GEN, a phytoestrogen, competes with DEHP for binding to estrogen receptor β (ERβ). This competition, along with GEN's antiestrogen and antioxidant properties, could potentially reverse impairments. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the role of phytoestrogens in alleviating environmental estrogen-induced congenital diseases.

X-box binding protein 1 caused an imbalance in pyroptosis and mitophagy in immature rats with di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced testis toxicity

As a widely used plasticizer, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is known to induce significant testicular injury. However, the potential mechanism and effects of pubertal exposure to DEHP on testis development remain unclear. In vivo, postnatal day (PND) 21 male rats were gavaged with 0, 250, and 500 mg/kg DEHP for ten days. Damage to the seminiferous epithelium and disturbed spermatogenesis were observed after DEHP exposure. Meanwhile, oxidative stress-induced injury and pyroptosis were activated. Both endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitophagy were involved in this process. Monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) was used as the biometabolite of DEHP in vitro. The GC-1 and GC-2 cell lines were exposed to 0, 100 μM, 200 μM, and 400 μM MEHP for 24 h. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, oxidative stress damage, ER stress, mitophagy, and pyroptosis were significantly increased after MEHP exposure. The ultrastructure of the ER and mitochondria was destroyed. X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) was observed to be activated and translocated into the nucleus. ROS generation was inhibited by acetylcysteine. The levels of antioxidative stress, ER stress, mitophagy, and pyroptosis were decreased as well. After the administration of the ER stress inhibitor 4-phenyl-butyric acid, both mitophagy and pyroptosis were inhibited. Toyocamycin-induced XBP1 down-regulation decreased the levels of mitophagy and pyroptosis. The equilibrium between pyroptosis and mitophagy was disturbed by XBP1 accumulation. In summary, our findings confirmed that DEHP induced a ROS-mediated imbalance in pyroptosis and mitophagy in immature rat testes via XBP1. Moreover, XBP1 might be the key target in DEHP-related testis dysfunction.

Dapagliflozin Alleviates Diabetic Kidney Disease via Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1α/Heme Oxygenase 1-Mediated Ferroptosis

Aims: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) showed excellent renoprotective effects; however, the underlying mechanism remains not fully understood. Previous studies have revealed the importance of ferroptosis, which is closely related to oxidative stress, in the progression of DKD. In the current study, we hypothesized that SGLT2i could relieve ferroptosis and thereby alleviate renal injury in DKD due to their antioxidative stress effects. Results: Typical changes of ferroptosis including massive lipid peroxidation, compromised antioxidant capability, and iron overload were found in db/db mice and high glucose/high fat (HG/HF)-treated HK-2 cells. Furthermore, increased expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) was observed in db/db mice and HG/HF-treated HK-2 cells as well. Dapagliflozin treatment significantly ameliorated the ferroptosis-related changes via attenuating overactivation of the HIF1α/HO1 axis in vivo and in vitro. Besides, downregulation of the HIF1α/HO1 axis alleviated ferroptosis, while overexpression of HIF1α and HO1 aggravated ferroptosis induced by HG/HF in HK-2 cells. Innovation and Conclusion: This study revealed that SGLT2i played a renoprotective role in DKD, at least in part, through alleviating HIF1α/HO1-mediated ferroptosis. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 40, 492-509.

DEHP and DINP accelerate aging effects in male and female of Drosophila melanogaster depend on AKT/FOXO pathway

Phthalates are commonly used as plasticizers. Numerous studies have focused on endocrine, reproductive, and developmental toxicity of phthalates exposure to male organisms. In recent years, some studies looking into the aging effects of phthalates exposure in D. melanogaster showed discrepant results. In this study, we compared the different concentrations of Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) for acute and chronic treatment for different gender D. melanogaster and explored the potential mechanism of DEHP and DINP exposure. The results showed that acute exposure to DEHP or DINP at a high dose significantly decreased the lifespan of female and male D. melanogaster under HFD stress. Chronic exposure significantly decreased the lifespan of flies in all exposure groups except for the low-dose DINP exposure female group. Among them, in the normal feeding group, we found that female flies seemed to be more resistant to DEHP or DINP exposure. Meanwhile, the locomotion ability and fertility of flies exhibited a dose-dependent decline. Furthermore, phthalates did not significantly reduce the lifespan or health status of akt and foxo mutant flies in the mutant fly assays, and real-time quantitative-PCR (q-PCR) data revealed akt and foxo significant change with 10 μM DEHP or DINP treatment. This suggests that akt and foxo played a role in the process by which DEHP and DINP caused age-related declines in D. melanogaster.

Roles of ferroptosis in type 1 diabetes induced spermatogenic dysfunction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a widespread metabolic disease presenting with various complications, including spermatogenic dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Ferroptosis, a novel type of programmed cell death, is associated with much metabolic diseases. Here, we investigated the role of ferroptosis in spermatogenic dysfunction of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic mice (diabetic mice), high glucose (HG)-treated GC-2 cells (HG cells) as well as testicular tissues of diabetic patients. We found an accumulation of iron, elevated malondialdehyde level and reduced glutathione level in the testis tissues of diabetic mice and HG cells. Histological examination showed a decrease in spermatogenic cells and spermatids within the seminiferous tubules as well as mitochondrial shrinkage in the testis tissues of diabetic mice. Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), the inhibitor of ferroptosis, mitigated ferroptosis-associated iron overload, lipid peroxidation accumulation and spermatogenic dysfunction of diabetic mice. Furthermore, we observed a downregulation of GPX4, FTL and SLC7A11 in diabetic mice and HG cells. Fer-1 treatment and GPX4 overexpression counteracted the effects of HG on cell viability, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and glutathione via inhibition of ferroptosis. Moreover, we found an elevation of ferroptosis in testicular tissues of diabetic patients. Taken together, our results identify the crucial role of ferroptosis in diabetic spermatogenic dysfunction and ferroptosis may be a promising therapeutic target to improve spermatogenesis in diabetic patients.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induces ferroptosis in prepubertal mouse testes via the lipid metabolism pathway

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a widely used plasticizer, has been shown to cause reproductive toxicity, but the precise mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the possible molecular mechanism of DEHP-induced testicular damage. In vivo study, we administered different doses of DEHP (0, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day) to male C57BL/6 mice from 22 and 35 days after birth. We found that DEHP exposure induced histopathological alterations in prepubertal testes, and testicular lipidomics indicated notable alterations in lipid metabolism and significant enrichment of ferroptosis. Further tests showed that ferrous iron (Fe2+ ) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels significantly increased after DEHP exposure. Western blotting revealed that DEHP exposure reduced glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression, and elevated acyl coenzyme A synthetase long-chain member 4 (ACSL4) and lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3 (LPCAT3) expression. The in vitro results were consistent with the in vivo results. When Leydig cells and Sertoli cells were treated with ferrostatin-1 and monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), MEHP-induced increases in Fe2+ and MDA levels, accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species, downregulation of GPX4, and upregulation of ACSL4 and LPCAT3 were reversed. Collectively, our findings suggested that aberrant lipid metabolism and ferroptosis may be involved in prepubertal DEHP exposure-induced testicular damage.

Polystyrenenanoplastics lead to ferroptosis in the lungs

INTRODUCTION

It has been shown that polystyrenenanoplastic (PS-NP) exposure induces toxicity in the lungs.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to provide foundational evidence to corroborate that ferroptosis and abnormal HIF-1α activity are the main factors contributing to pulmonary dysfunction induced by PS-NP exposure.

METHODS

Fifty male and female C57BL/6 mice were exposed to distilled water or 100 nm or 200 nm PS-NPs via intratracheal instillation for 7 consecutive days. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson trichrome staining were performed to observe the histomorphological changes in the lungs. To clarify the mechanisms of PS-NP-induced lung injury, we used 100 μg/ml, 200 μg/ml and 400 μg/ml 100 or 200 nm PS-NPs to treat the human lung bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B for 24 h. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of BEAS-2B cells was performed following exposure. The levels of glutathione, malondialdehyde, ferrous iron (Fe2+), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. The expression levels of ferroptotic proteins were detected in BEAS-2B cells and lung tissues by Western blotting. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the HIF-1α/HO-1 signaling pathway activity.

RESULTS

H&E staining revealed substantial perivascular lymphocytic inflammation in a bronchiolocentric pattern, and Masson trichrome staining demonstrated critical collagen deposits in the lungs after PS-NP exposure. RNA-seq revealed that the differentially expressed genes in PS-NP-exposed BEAS-2B cells were enriched in lipid metabolism and iron ion binding processes. After PS-NP exposure, the levels of malondialdehyde, Fe2+, and ROS were increased, but glutathione level was decreased. The expression levels of ferroptotic proteins were altered significantly. These results verified that PS-NP exposure led to pulmonary injury through ferroptosis. Finally, we discovered that the HIF-1α/HO-1 signaling pathway played an important role in regulating ferroptosis in the PS-NP-exposed lung injury.

CONCLUSION

PS-NP exposure caused ferroptosis in bronchial epithelial cells by activating the HIF-1α/HO-1 signaling pathway, and eventually led to lung injury.

The role of ferroptosis and its mechanism in ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular disease with a high morbidity, mortality, and disability rate. Persistent ischemia of brain tissue can cause irreversible damage to neurons, leading to neurological dysfunction and seriously affecting patients' quality of life. However, current clinical therapies are limited and have not achieved satisfactory outcome, due to the incomplete understanding of the mechanism of neuronal damage during ischemic stroke. Recent studies have found that ferroptosis is implicated in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation. Under normal physiological conditions, GSH/GPX4, FSP1/CoQ10, GCH/BH4 and other anti-ferroptosis pathways can function effectively to suppress the occurrence of ferroptosis. After ischemic stroke, two typical ferroptosis characteristics, lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation, are observed, accompanied by changes in the expression of ferroptosis related genes such as GPX4, ACSL4, and SLC7A11, suggesting that ferroptosis plays a key role in ischemic stroke, which provides a new idea for the clinical treatment of ischemic stroke. This article reviewed the pathological mechanisms of ferroptosis in the occurrence and development of ischemic stroke, as well as the related progress of ferroptosis targeted therapy.

Role of sleep in asthenospermia induced by di (2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate

Di (2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) mainly enters the human body through the digestive tract, respiratory tract, and skin. At the same time, it has reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, and so on, which can cause the decrease of sperm motility. Asthenospermia is also known as low sperm motility, and the semen quality of men in some areas of China is declining year by year. Interestingly, previous studies have shown that sleep disorders can also lead to asthenospermia. However, the relationship between sleep, DEHP, and asthenospermia is still unclear. Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) population database showed that DEHP was associated with sleep disorders, and subsequent experiments in mice and Drosophila indicated that DEHP exposure had certain effects on sleep and asthenospermia. Furthermore, we analyzed the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) to find out the common signaling pathway among the three: hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1). Then Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) was used to screen out the proteins that DEHP affected the HIF-1 pathway: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and finally Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression levels of the three proteins. Compared with the control group, DEHP decreased the protein expression levels of GAPDH and AKT1 in the HIF-1 pathway, and caused sleep disorders and decreased sperm motility. This study provides preliminary evidence for exploring the mechanism among DEHP, sleep disorders, and asthenospermia.

Protective effects of melatonin on DEHP-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in prepubertal testes via the PI3K/AKT pathway

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an environmental endocrine disruptor, is one of the most common plasticizers and is widely used in various plastic products. DEHP induces apoptosis and oxidative stress and has been shown to have androgenic toxicity. However, the methods to combat DEHP-induced testicular damage and the mechanisms involved remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we used melatonin, which has strong antioxidant properties, to intervene in prepubertal mice and mouse Leydig cells (TM3) treated with DEHP or its metabolite mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP). The results showed that melatonin protected against DEHP-induced testicular damage in prepubertal mice, mainly by protecting against DEHP-induced structural destruction of the germinal tubules and by attenuating the DEHP-induced decrease in testicular organ coefficients and testosterone levels. Transcriptomic analysis found that melatonin may attenuate DEHP-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in prepubertal testes. In vitro studies further revealed that MEHP induces oxidative stress injury and increases apoptosis in TM3 cells, while melatonin reversed this damage. In vitro studies also found that MEHP exposure inhibited the expression levels of molecules related to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and melatonin reversed this change. In conclusion, these findings suggest that melatonin protects against DEHP-induced prepubertal testicular injury via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and provide a theoretical basis and experimental rationale for combating male reproductive dysfunction.

ARTS is essential for di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)-induced apoptosis of mouse Leydig cells

As an extensively employed plasticizer in industrial applications, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) can induce apoptosis of mouse Leydig cells, yet the precise mechanism remains elusive. In the current study, we identified that DEHP could specially induced apoptosis in the Leydig cells of the testis tissue, accompanied with the upregulation of apoptosis-related protein in the TGF-β signaling pathway (ARTS) in the cells. Overexpression of ARTS significantly induced apoptosis of TM3 cells, while knockdown of ARTS inhibited apoptosis. Furthermore, DEHP-induced apoptosis of TM3 cells could be alleviated by knockdown of ARTS, which indicated that ARTS was involved in DEHP-induced apoptosis of mouse Leydig cells. Bioinformation assay predicts that there are four potential p53-responsive elements (p53-REs) located at - 6060, - 5726, - 5631 and - 5554 before the transcription start site of ARTS gene, implying that gene transcription of ARTS could be regulated by p53. Interestingly, DEHP was shown to specifically upregulate the expression of p53 in the Leydig cells of the testis tissue and TM3 cells. Consistently, p53 was proved to bind to the RE4 site of the ARTS gene promoter and transcriptionally activated the promoter-driven expression of the luciferase reporter gene. Overexpression of p53 could induce apoptosis of TM3 cells; while knockdown of p53 could not only rescue DEHP-induced apoptosis of the cells, but also inhibit DEHP-caused upregulation of ARTS. Meanwhile, we showed that oxidative stress could induce apoptosis of TM3 cells, accompanied with the increased protein levels of p53 and ARTS; while inhibition of oxidative stress dramatically alleviated DEHP-induced apoptosis and the up-regulation of p53 and ARTS. Taken together, these results indicated that DEHP-induced oxidative stress activates the p53-ARTS cascade to promote apoptosis of mouse Leydig cells.

The application of approaches in detecting ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is a regulatory cell death (RCD) caused by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, which is the backbone of regulating various diseases such as tumor, nervous system diseases and so on. Despite ferroptosis without specific detection methods currently, there are numerous types of detection technology commonly used, including flow cytometry, cell activity assay, microscopic imaging, western blotting, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In addition, ferroptosis could be detected by quantifying oxygen-free radicals reactive oxygen species (ROS), the lipid metabolite (malondialdehyde ((MDA)), related pathways and observing mitochondrial damage. In the face of numerous detection methods, how to choose appropriate detection methods based on experimental purposes has become a problem that needs to be solved at present. In this review, we summarized the commonly used detection methods of the critical substances in the process of ferroptosis, in the hope of facilitating the comprehensive study of ferroptosis, with a view to providing a guidance for subsequent related research.

Radix Sanguisorbae Improves Intestinal Barrier in Septic Rats via HIF-1 α/HO-1/Fe2+ Axis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether Radix Sanguisorbae (RS, Diyu) could restore intestinal barrier function following sepsis using a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced septic rat model and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged IEC-6 cell model, respectively.

METHODS

Totally 224 rats were divided into 4 groups including a control, sham, CLP and RS group according to a random number table. The rats in the control group were administrated with Ringer's lactate solution (30 mL/kg) with additional dopamine [10 µ g/(kg·min)] and given intramuscular injections of cefuroxime sodium (10 mg/kg) 12 h following CLP. The rats in the RS group were administrated with RS (10 mg/kg) through tail vein 1 h before CLP and treated with RS (10 mg/kg) 12 h following CLP. The rats in the sham group were only performed abdominal surgery without CLP. The rats in the CLP group were performed with CLP without any treatment. The other steps were same as control group. The effects of RS on intestinal barrier function, mesenteric microvessels barrier function, multi-organ function indicators, inflammatory response and 72 h survival window following sepsis were observed. In vitro, the effects of RS on LPS-challenged IEC-6 cell viability, the expressions of zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) and ferroptosis index were evaluated by cell counting kit-8, immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Bioinformatic tools were applied to investigate the pharmacological network of RS in sepsis to predict the active compounds and potential protein targets and pathways.

RESULTS

The sepsis caused severe intestinal barrier dysfunction, multi-organ injury, lipid peroxidation accumulation, and ferroptosis in vivo. RS treatment significantly prolonged the survival time to 56 h and increased 72-h survival rate to 7/16 (43.75%). RS also improved intestinal barrier function and relieved intestinal inflammation. Moreover, RS significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and inhibited ferroptosis (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Administration of RS significantly worked better than Ringer's solution used alone. Using network pharmacology prediction, we found that ferroptosis and hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1 α) signaling pathways might be involved in RS effects on sepsis. Subsequent Western blot, ferrous iron measurements, and FerroOrange fluorescence of ferrous iron verified the network pharmacology predictions.

CONCLUSION

RS improved the intestinal barrier function and alleviated intestinal injury by inhibiting ferroptosis, which was related in part to HIF-1 α/heme oxygenase-1/Fe2+ axis.

Salvianolic acid A attenuates arsenic-induced ferroptosis and kidney injury via HIF-2α/DUOX1/GPX4 and iron homeostasis

Arsenic (As) is a prevalent pollutant in the environment and causes a high frequency of kidney disease in areas of high arsenic contamination, but its pathogenic mechanisms have yet to be completely clarified. Ferroptosis is a new form of cell death mainly dependent on lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation. Several reports have suggested that ferroptosis is operative in a spectrum of diseases caused by arsenic exposure, including in the lungs, pancreas, and testis. However, the mechanism and exact role of ferroptosis in arsenic-induced kidney injury is not known. Firstly, by constructing in vivo and in vitro arsenic exposure models, we confirmed the occurrence of ferroptosis based on the identification of the ability of NaASO2 to cause kidney injury. In addition, we found that arsenic exposure could upregulate DUOX1 expression in kidney and HK-2 cells, and after knocking down DUOX1 using siRNA was able to significantly upregulate GPX4 expression and attenuate ferroptosis. Subsequently using bioinformatics, we identified and proved the involvement of HIF-2α in the course of ferroptosis, and further confirmed by dual luciferase assay that HIF-2α promotes DUOX1 transcription to increase its expression. Finally, intervention with the natural ingredient SAA significantly attenuated arsenic-induced ferroptosis and kidney injury. These results showed that arsenic could cause ferroptosis and kidney injury by affecting HIF-2α/DUOX1/GPX4 and iron homeostasis and that SAA was an effective intervention component. This study not only discovered the molecular mechanism of sodium arsenite-induced kidney injury but also explored an active ingredient with intervention potential, providing a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of sodium arsenite-induced kidney injury.

Oyster Peptide-Zinc Complex Ameliorates Di-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate-Induced Testis Injury in Male Mice and Improving Gut Microbiota

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a widely used plasticizer, which can cause damage to male reproductive organs, especially the atrophy of the testis. Meanwhile, DEHP can also lead to a decrease in testicular zinc content, but the role of zinc remains unclear. This study aims to prepare oyster peptide-zinc complex (OPZC) to alleviate DEHP-induced reproductive damage in mice. OPZC was successfully obtained through electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis, with stable structure and high water-solubility. Low dose oyster peptide-zinc complex (OPZCL) significantly reduced the reproductive damage caused by DEHP in mice. Further research had shown that OPZCL restored the content of serum hormones and the activity of oxidative stress kinases to normal, while also normalizing testicular zinc and selenium levels. In addition, it also recovered the disorder of gut microbiota, reduced the proportion of Bacteroides, increased the abundance of Ligilactobacillus, and restored the proportion of Acidobacteriota, Chloroflexi, and Proteobacteria. Therefore, OPZCL can relieve the reproductive damage caused by DEHP in mice by restoring testicular zinc homeostasis and the composition of intestinal microbiota, indicating that OPZCL has a potential protective effect on male reproductive health.

PS-MPs or their co-exposure with cadmium impair male reproductive function through the miR-199a-5p/HIF-1α-mediated ferroptosis pathway

Microplastics (MPs) and cadmium (Cd) exist extensively in ambient environments and probably influence negatively on human health. However, the potential reproductive toxicity of MPs or MPs + Cd remains unknown. This study was aimed to observe the reproductive changes of male mice treated orally for 35 days with PS-MPs (100 mg/kg), CdCl2 (5 mg/kg) and PS-MPs plus CdCl2 mixture. We found that subchronic exposure to PS-MPs damaged mouse testicular tissue structure, reduced sperm quality and testosterone levels. Moreover, the reproductive toxicity in 0.1 μm group was stronger than 1 μm group, and mixture group was more severe than single particle size ones. Meanwhile, co-exposure of PS-MPs and Cd exacerbated reproductive injury in male mice, with an ascending toxicity of Cd, 1 μm + Cd, 0.1 μm + Cd, and 0.1+1 μm + Cd. In addition, we discovered that the testicular damage induced by PS-MPs or PS-MPs + Cd was associated with interfering the miR-199a-5p/HIF-1α/ferroptosis pathway. Promisingly, these findings will shed new light on how PS-MPs and PS-MPs + Cd damage male reproductive function.

MEHP activates JNK to inhibit the migration of human foreskin fibroblasts

This study aimed to investigate the impact of mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) on the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of human foreskin fibroblast cells (HFF-1) and the role of the JNK signaling pathway in cell migration. HFF-1 cells were randomly assigned to the control group with 0 MEHP exposure (M0) or the experimental groups with 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μmol/L MEHP exposure (M25, M50, M100, M200, and M400, respectively). After 24 and 48 h of MEHP exposure, the proliferation of HFF-1 cells in any group had no significant change. However, compared with the M0 group, the M200 and M400 groups presented substantially increased apoptosis of HFF-1 cells. Moreover, cell migration ability significantly decreased in all groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the transcription and phosphorylated protein activation of JNK kinase in HFF-1 cells were substantially upregulated with the increase in MEHP exposure. Subsequently, HFF-1 cells were randomly divided into three groups: the DMSO blank control group, the 100 μM MEHP experimental group (M100), and the 100 μM MEHP plus 10 μM SP600125 (specific JNK inhibitor) experimental group (S10). The activation of JNK protein in HFF-1 cells was substantially downregulated in the S10 group. HFF-1 cells were also divided into the blank control group (M0). They were treated with 100 μM MEHP and varying concentrations of SP600125 (5, 10, and 15 μM for S5, S10, and S15, respectively). As the concentration of the antagonist increased, the migration ability of HFF-1 cells was returned to normal. Finally, the ROS in HFF-1 cells increased under MEHP exposure. This finding indicates that the regulation of cell migration by the JNK signaling pathway may be important in the occurrence of hypospadias.

Curcumin strengthens a spontaneous self-protective mechanism-SP1/PRDX6 pathway, against di-n-butyl phthalate-induced testicular ferroptosis damage

As one of the common plasticizers, di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) has been using in various daily consumer products worldwide. Since it is easily released from products and exists in the environment for a long time, it has a lasting impact on human health, especially male reproductive health. However, the detailed mechanism of testicular damage from DBP and the protection strategy are still not clear enough. In this study, we found that DBP could induce dose-dependent ferroptosis in testicular tissue. Mechanism dissection indicates that DBP can upregulate SP1 expression, which could directly transcriptionally upregulate PRDX6, a negative regulator of ferroptosis. Overexpression of PRDX6 or adding SP1 agonist curcumin could suppress the DBP-induced ferroptosis on testicular cells. In vivo, rats were given 500 mg/kg/day DBP orally for 3 weeks; elevated levels of ferroptosis were detected in testicular tissue. When the above-mentioned doses of DBP and curcumin at a dose of 300 mg/kg/day were administered intragastrically simultaneously, the testicular ferroptosis induced by DBP was alleviated. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR of testis tissue showed that the expression of PRDX6 was upregulated under the action of DBP and curcumin. These findings suggest a spontaneous self-protection mechanism of testicular tissue from DBP damage by upregulating SP1 and PRDX6. However, it is not strong enough to resist the DBP-induced ferroptosis. Curcumin can strengthen this self-protection mechanism and weaken the level of ferroptosis induced by DBP. This study may help us to develop a novel therapeutic option with curcumin to protect the testicular tissue from ferroptosis and function impairment by DBP.

Identification of ferroptotic genes and phenotypes in idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia

Effective treatments for nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), which affects 1% of all men globally, are limited by undefined pathogenic mechanisms, especially in idiopathic NOA (iNOA). Here, we tried to identify the functional ferroptosis-related genes and phenotypes involved in iNOA. Differentially expressed ferroptotic genes were identified from iNOA mRNA microarray datasets by bioinformatic analyses, and these ferroptotic genes were subsequently filtered by various algorithms. Then, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the diagnostic ability of the abovementioned genes for iNOA. Generally, 11 differentially expressed ferroptotic genes were downregulated, and five genes were upregulated in iNOA samples. Four genes, including DUSP1, GPX4, HSD17B11, and SLC2A8, were technically selected and determined to be potential biomarkers for iNOA. Subsequently, similar expression levels were validated at both the RNA and protein levels in the iNOA specimens. Finally, morphologic and biochemical assays were applied to define the ferroptotic phenotypes in testes. The ferroptotic features, like shrunken mitochondria with electron-dense membranes and a reduction in cristae were observed across various cell types within iNOA patients, accompanied by the overload of ferrous ions and increased lipid peroxidation production. Our findings demonstrated that these ferroptosis genes could be involved in the underlying pathogenesis mechanisms of iNOA by regulating ferroptosis and serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers. Also, the ferroptotic phenotypes were identified in iNOA patients.

The impact of dioctyl phthalate exposure on multiple organ systems and gut microbiota in mice

Dioctyl phthalate, commonly known as bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), is a widely used plasticizer in various industries and has been shown to directly or indirectly impact human health. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies evaluating the potential health risks associated with DEHP accumulation in different organs across various age groups. This study aimed to assess the effects of low (50 mg/kg·bw) and high (500 mg/kg·bw) doses of DEHP on five different organs in mice at young (4-week-old) and aged (76-week-old) life stages. Our findings revealed that both low and high doses of DEHP exposure led to significant dose-dependent inflammation in the liver, spleen, and kidney. Furthermore, regardless of age, DEHP exposure resulted in elevated activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the liver, as well as increased levels of creatinine (Cr) and urea in the kidney. Moreover, analysis of the fecal microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that DEHP exposure disrupted the homeostasis of the gut microbiota, characterized by an increased abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as Desulfovibrio and Muribaculum, and a decreased abundance of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus. This study provides compelling evidence that DEHP at different concentrations can induce damage to multiple organs and disrupt gut microbiota composition. These findings lay the groundwork for further investigations into DEHP toxicity in various human organs, contributing to a better understanding of the potential health risks associated with DEHP exposure.

Reduction of excessive unfolded protein response by 4-phenylbutyric acid may mitigate procymidone-induced testicular damage in mice by changing the levels of circRNA Scar and circZc3h4

Procymidone (PCM) exposure below the no-observed-effect level triggers changes in circRNA Scar and circZc3h4 and overactivation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in mice, culminating in testicular injury. The 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA) is known to stabilize proteins and reduce the UPR. This study employed an in vitro system in which mouse testes were cultured with 1 × 10-5 M PCM and varying concentrations (0, 20, 40, and 80 mM) of 4-PBA; 4-week-old male mice were subsequently treated with 100 mg/kg/d PCM (suspended in corn oil) and/or 100 mg/kg/d 4-PBA for 21 d, consecutively. The treatments were as follows: the negative control (NC) group was orally administered corn oil; the positive control (PC) group was orally administered PCM; the 4-PBA group was intraperitoneally injected with 4-PBA; the 4-PBA-I group was orally administered PCM and 4-PBA simultaneously; the 4-PBA-II group received daily administration of 4-PBA 24 h prior to PCM; and the 4-PBA-III group was intraperitoneally injected with 4-PBA for 7 d after 21 d of PCM administration. However, the 4-PBA intervention groups showed no considerable changes in the overall or testicular appearance of mice. In vitro, 4-PBA inhibited the PCM-induced testicular injury, with the most significant effect observed at 80 mM. In vivo, the 4-PBA-III group exhibited the best in vivo effects. Our findings indicate that 4-PBA conferred testicular protection by decreasing PCM-induced circRNA Scar, elevating circZc3h4, and suppressing UPR both in vitro and in vivo. It has been hypothesized that 4-PBA mitigates testicular damage by reducing excessive UPR levels.

The role of HIF-1α/HO-1 pathway in hippocampal neuronal ferroptosis in epilepsy

Epilepsy, a common central nervous system disorder, remains an enigma in pathogenesis. Emerging consensus designates hippocampal neuronal injury as a cornerstone for epileptogenic foci, pivotal in epileptic genesis and progression. Ferroptosis, a regulated cell death modality hinging on iron, catalyzes lipid reactive oxygen species formation through iron and membrane polyunsaturated fatty acid interplay, culminating in oxidative cell death. This research investigates the role of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α/heme oxygenase (HO)-1 in hippocampal neuron ferroptosis during epilepsy. Untargeted metabolomics exposes metabolite discrepancies between epilepsy patients and healthy individuals, unveiling escalated oxidative stress, heightened bilirubin, and augmented iron metabolism in epileptic blood. Enrichment analyses unveil active HIF-1 pathway in epileptic pathogenesis, reinforced by HIF-1α signaling perturbations in DisGeNET database. PTZ-kindled mice model confirms increased ferroptotic markers, oxidative stress, HIF-1α, and HO-1 in epilepsy. Study implicates HIF-1α/HO-1 potentially regulates hippocampal neuronal ferroptosis, iron metabolism, and oxidative stress, thereby promoting the propagation of epilepsy.

Identification and validation of ferroptosis-related biomarkers in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head

OBJECTIVES

Treatment of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SIONFH) is challenging. Due to the limited understanding of its molecular mechanisms, investigating the potential mechanisms of ferroptosis will shed light on SIONFH and provide directions for treating this disease.

METHODS

The GSE123568 dataset was utilized to apply various bioinformatics methodologies to identify ferroptosis-related hub genes (FRHGs). Subsequently, the importance of these genes and the reliability of the results were confirmed using protein data-independent acquisition (DIA) and cell experiments. Finally, we assessed the correlation between FRHG expression and immune cell infiltration.

RESULTS

Thirty-one hub genes were identified and validated by constructing a protein-protein interaction network and subsequent screening using experimentally determined interactions. These 31 hub genes were enriched in immunity, the AMPK signaling pathway, and the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. Next, we identified a diagnostic marker comprising two ferroptosis-related genes, NCF2 and SLC2A1. The differential expression of these two genes in healthy and necrotic regions was confirmed by protein DIA analysis. Cell experiments verified the link between FRHGs and ferroptosis and preliminarily explored the potential mechanism of the antioxidant vitexin in promoting osteogenic differentiation in cells. The diagnostic efficiency of these two markers was confirmed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curves, yielding an area under the curve of 1.0. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) indicated enrichment of FRHGs in the superoxide anion and HIF-1 signaling pathways. A significant correlation was observed between FRHGs and various immune cell populations.

CONCLUSION

NCF2 and SLC2A1 are promising ferroptosis-related diagnostic biomarkers of SIONFH. Concurrently, we embarked on a preliminary investigation to elucidate the potential mechanism underlying the promotion of osteogenic differentiation by the antioxidant vitexin. Moreover, these biomarkers are associated with distinct immune cell populations.

Transcriptome-based analysis of the toxic effects of aluminum chloride exposure on spermatocytes

Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) exposure is pervasive in our daily lives. Numerous studies have demonstrated that exposure to AlCl3 can lead to male reproductive toxicity. However, the precise mechanism of action remains unclear. The objective of this study is to investigate the mechanism of aluminum-induced toxicity by analyzing the alterations in the global transcriptome gene profile of mouse spermatocytes (GC-2spd cells) exposed to AlCl3. GC-2spd cells were exposed to concentrations of 0, 1, 2, and 4 mM AlCl3, and high-throughput mRNA-seq was performed to investigate the changes in the transcriptome after exposure to 4 mM AlCl3. Our findings indicate that exposure to AlCl3 led to an increase in oxidative stress, disrupted glutathione metabolism, reduced cell viability, and altered gene expression in mouse spermatocytes. Gene enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with various biological functions such as mitochondrial inner membrane, response to oxidative stress. Furthermore, these DEGs were found to be enriched in pathways including proteasome, glutathione metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and Hif-1 signaling pathway. Real-time PCR and western blot were employed to validate the expression alterations of pivotal genes, and the outcomes exhibited concordance with the mRNA-seq findings. This study provides a theoretical basis for revealing the potential mechanism of male reproductive toxicity caused by aluminum exposure.

Prenatal DEHP Exposure Induces Premature Testicular Aging by Promoting Leydig Cell Senescence through the MAPK Signaling Pathways

Previous studies show that prenatal di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) exposure induces premature testicular aging. However, the evidence is weak, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. p38/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) MAPK pathways participate in aging. Leydig cell (LC) senescence results in testicular aging. Whether prenatal DEHP exposure induces premature testicular aging by promoting LC senescence warrants further study. Here, male mice undergo prenatal exposure to 500 mg per kg per day DEHP, and TM3 LCs are treated with 200 µm mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP). MAPK pathways, testicular toxicity, and senescent phenotypes (β-gal activity, p21, p16, and cell cycle) of male mice and LCs are explored. Prenatal DEHP exposure induces premature testicular aging in middle-aged mice (poor genital development, reduced testosterone synthesis, poor semen quality, increased β-gal activity, and upregulated expression of p21 and p16). MEHP induces LCs senescence (cell cycle arrest, increased β-gal activity, and upregulated expression of p21). p38 and JNK pathways are activated, and the ERK pathway is inactivated. In conclusion, prenatal DEHP exposure induces premature testicular aging by promoting LC senescence through MAPK signaling pathways.

Network pharmacology and experimental validation of Maxing Shigan decoction in the treatment of influenza virus-induced ferroptosis

Influenza is an acute viral respiratory infection that has caused high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Influenza A virus (IAV) has been found to activate multiple programmed cell death pathways, including ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death in which the accumulation of intracellular iron promotes lipid peroxidation, leading to cell death. However, little is known about how influenza viruses induce ferroptosis in the host cells. In this study, based on network pharmacology, we predicted the mechanism of action of Maxing Shigan decoction (MXSGD) in IAV-induced ferroptosis, and found that this process was related to biological processes, cellular components, molecular function and multiple signaling pathways, where the hypoxia inducible factor-1(HIF-1) signaling pathway plays a significant role. Subsequently, we constructed the mouse lung epithelial (MLE-12) cell model by IAV-infected in vitro cell experiments, and revealed that IAV infection induced cellular ferroptosis that was characterized by mitochondrial damage, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) release, increased total iron and iron ion contents, decreased expression of ferroptosis marker gene recombinant glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), increased expression of acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4), and enhanced activation of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the HIF-1 signaling pathway. Treatment with MXSGD effectively reduced intracellular viral load, while reducing ROS, total iron and ferrous ion contents, repairing mitochondrial results and inhibiting the expression of cellular ferroptosis and the HIF-1 signaling pathway. Finally, based on animal experiments, it was found that MXSGD effectively alleviated pulmonary congestion, edema and inflammation in IAV-infected mice, and inhibited the expression of ferroptosis-related protein and the HIF-1 signaling pathway in lung tissues.

Emerging roles of ferroptosis in male reproductive diseases

Ferroptosis is a type of programmed cell death mediated by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation that leads to excessive lipid peroxidation in different cells. Ferroptosis is distinct from other forms of cell death and is associated with various diseases. Iron is essential for spermatogenesis and male reproductive function. Therefore, it is not surprising that new evidence supports the role of ferroptosis in testicular injury. Although the molecular mechanism by which ferroptosis induces disease is unknown, several genes and pathways associated with ferroptosis have been linked to testicular dysfunction. In this review, we discuss iron metabolism, ferroptosis, and related regulatory pathways. In addition, we analyze the endogenous and exogenous factors of ferroptosis in terms of iron metabolism and testicular dysfunction, as well as summarize the relationship between ferroptosis and male reproductive dysfunction. Finally, we discuss potential strategies to target ferroptosis for treating male reproductive diseases and provide new directions for preventing male reproductive diseases.

Green Tea Polyphenols Alleviate Kidney Injury Induced by Di(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate in Mice

INTRODUCTION

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a common plasticizer. Studies have revealed that DEHP exposure can cause kidney damage. Green tea is among the most popular beverages in China. Green tea polyphenols (GTPs) have been proven to have therapeutic effects on organ damage induced by heavy metal exposure. However, few studies have reported on GTP-relieving DEHP-induced kidney damage.

METHODS

C57BL/6J male mice aged 6-8 weeks were treated with distilled water (control group), 1,500 mg/kg/d DEHP + corn oil (model group), 1,500 mg/kg/d DEHP + corn oil + 70 mg/kg GTP (treatment group), corn oil (oil group), and 70 mg/kg GTP (GTP group) by gavage for 8 weeks, respectively. The renal function of mice and renal tissue histopathology of each group were evaluated. The renal tissues of mice in the model, treatment, and control groups were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. We calculated the differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) using the limma R package, the CIBERSORT algorithm was used to predict immune infiltration, the starBase database was used to screen the miRNA-mRNA regulatory axis, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to verify protein expression.

RESULTS

GTP alleviated the deterioration of renal function, renal inflammation and fibrosis, and mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum lesions induced by DEHP in mice. Differential immune infiltrations of plasma, dendritic, T, and B cells were noted between the model and treatment groups. We found that three differentially expressed miRNAs (mmu-miR-383-5p, mmu-miR-152-3p, and mmu-miR-144-3p), three differentially expressed mRNAs (Ddit4, Dusp1, and Snx18), and three differentially expressed proteins (Ddit4, Dusp1, and Snx18) played crucial roles in the miRNA-mRNA-protein regulatory axes when GTPs mitigate DEHP-induced kidney damage in mice.

CONCLUSION

GTP can alleviate DEHP-induced kidney damage and regulate immune cell infiltration. We screened four important miRNA-mRNA-protein regulatory axes of GTP, mitigating DEHP-induced kidney damage in mice.

FDX1 regulates leydig cell ferroptosis mediates PM2.5-induced testicular dysfunction of mice

Epidemiological studies have established an association between chronic exposure to PM2.5 and male infertility. However, the underlying mechanisms were not fully revealed. In this study, we established mice models exposed to PM2.5 for 16 weeks, and a significant decrease in sperm quality accompanied by an increase in testosterone levels were observed after PM2.5 exposure. Moreover, treatment with ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), a specific ferroptosis inhibitor, effectively mitigated PM2.5-induced testicular dysfunction in mice. And lipid peroxidation and ferritin accumulation were found to be significantly increased in Leydig cells of testes with a PM2.5-dose dependent manner. Further investigations revealed that TM-3 cells, a mouse Leydig cell line, were prone to ferroptosis after PM2.5 exposure, and the cell viability was partly rescued after the intervention of Fer-1. Furthermore, our results supported that the ferroptosis of TM-3 cells was attributed to the upregulation of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1), which was the protein transferring electrons to cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1 to aid lysing cholesterol to pregnenolone at initial of steroidogenesis. Mechanically, PM2.5-induced FDX1 upregulation resulted in cellular ROS elevation and ferrous iron overload, which together initiated an autoxidation process of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the cell membrane of Leydig cells until the accumulated lipid peroxides triggered ferroptotic cell death. Simultaneously, upregulation of FDX1 promoted steroidogenesis and let to an increased level of testosterone. In summary, our work suggested that FDX1, a mediator involving steroidogenesis, was a key regulator in PM2.5-induced Leydig cells ferroptosis.

HIF-1α drives resistance to ferroptosis in solid tumors by promoting lactate production and activating SLC1A1

Solid tumors have developed robust ferroptosis resistance. The mechanism underlying ferroptosis resistance regulation in solid tumors, however, remains elusive. Here, we report that the hypoxic tumor microenvironment potently promotes ferroptosis resistance in solid tumors in a hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α)-dependent manner. In combination with HIF-2α, which promotes tumor ferroptosis under hypoxia, HIF-1α is the main driver of hypoxia-induced ferroptosis resistance. Mechanistically, HIF-1α-induced lactate contributes to ferroptosis resistance in a pH-dependent manner that is parallel to the classical SLC7A11 and FSP1 systems. In addition, HIF-1α also enhances transcription of SLC1A1, an important glutamate transporter, and promotes cystine uptake to promote ferroptosis resistance. In support of the role of hypoxia in ferroptosis resistance, silencing HIF-1α sensitizes mouse solid tumors to ferroptosis inducers. In conclusion, our results reveal a mechanism by which hypoxia drives ferroptosis resistance and identify the combination of hypoxia alleviation and ferroptosis induction as a promising therapeutic strategy for solid tumors.

Histone acetyltransferase P300 deficiency promotes ferroptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells by activating the HIF-1α/HMOX1 axis

BACKGROUND

E1A-associated 300-kDa protein (P300), an endogenous histone acetyltransferase, contributes to modifications of the chromatin landscape of genes involved in multiple cardiovascular diseases. Ferroptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a novel pathological mechanism of aortic dissection. However, whether P300 regulates VSMC ferroptosis remains unknown.

METHODS

Cystine deprivation (CD) and imidazole ketone erastin (IKE) were used to induce VSMC ferroptosis. Two different knockdown plasmids targeting P300 and A-485 (a specific inhibitor of P300) were used to investigate the function of P300 in the ferroptosis of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). Cell counting kit-8, lactate dehydrogenase and flow cytometry with propidium iodide staining were performed to assess the cell viability and death under the treatment of CD and IKE. BODIPY-C11 assay, immunofluorescence staining of 4-hydroxynonenal and malondialdehyde assay were conducted to detect the level of lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation was utilized to explore the interaction between P300 and HIF-1α, HIF-1α and P53.

RESULTS

Compared with normal control, the protein level of P300 was significantly decreased in HASMCs treated with CD and IKE, which was largely nullified by the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 but not by the autophagy inhibitor or apoptosis inhibitor. Knockdown of P300 by short-hairpin RNA or inhibition of P300 activity by A-485 promoted CD- and IKE-induced HASMC ferroptosis, as evidenced by a reduction in cell viability and aggravation of lipid peroxidation of HASMCs. Furthermore, we found that hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) pathway was responsible for the impacts of P300 on ferroptosis of HASMCs. The results of co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated that P300 and P53 competitively bound HIF-1α to regulate the expression of HMOX1. Under normal conditions, P300 interacted with HIF-1α to inhibit HMOX1 expression, while reduced expression of P300 induced by ferroptosis inducers would favor HIF-1α binding to P53 to trigger HMOX1 overexpression. Furthermore, the aggravated effects of P300 knockdown on HASMC ferroptosis were largely nullified by HIF-1α knockdown or the HIF-1α inhibitor BAY87-2243.

CONCLUSION

Thus, our results revealed that P300 deficiency or inactivation facilitated CD- and IKE-induced VSMC ferroptosis by activating the HIF-1α/HMOX1 axis, which may contribute to the development of diseases related to VSMC ferroptosis.

Ferroptosis: a new strategy for Chinese herbal medicine treatment of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes. It has become a leading cause of death in patients with diabetes and end-stage renal disease. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered pattern of programmed cell death. Its main manifestation is the excessive accumulation of intracellular iron ion-dependent lipid peroxides. Recent studies have shown that ferroptosis is an important driving factor in the onset and development of DN. Ferroptosis is closely associated with renal intrinsic cell (including renal tubular epithelial cells, podocytes, and mesangial cells) damage in diabetes. Chinese herbal medicine is widely used in the treatment of DN, with a long history and definite curative effect. Accumulating evidence suggests that Chinese herbal medicine can modulate ferroptosis in renal intrinsic cells and show great potential for improving DN. In this review, we outline the key regulators and pathways of ferroptosis in DN and summarize the herbs, mainly monomers and extracts, that target the inhibition of ferroptosis.

Mechanism of testicular injury induced by Di-ethylhexyl phthalate and its protective agents

Di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is used as an important plasticizer in a wide range of products such as paints, food packaging, medical devices and children's toys. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the toxic effects of DEHP on the male reproductive organs, the testicles. Here, we reviewed the basic pathways of testicular damage caused by DEHP. The mechanism involves oxidative stress, ferroptosis, interfering with hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPGA) and testosterone level. We summarized the protective agents that have been shown to be effective in repairing this type of testicular damage in recent years. This provides a new perspective and direction for future research into the health effects and molecular mechanisms of DEHP.

Cadmium exposure during puberty damages testicular development and spermatogenesis via ferroptosis caused by intracellular iron overload and oxidative stress in mice

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental pollutant and a reproductive toxicant. It has been proved that Cd can reduce male fertility, however, the molecular mechanisms remain unveiled. This study aims to explore the effects and mechanisms of pubertal Cd exposure on testicular development and spermatogenesis. The results showed that Cd exposure during puberty could cause pathological damage to testes and reduce sperm counts in mice in adulthood. Moreover, Cd exposure during puberty reduced GSH content, induced iron overload and ROS production in testes, suggesting that Cd exposure during puberty may induce testicular ferroptosis. The results in vitro experiments further strengthened that Cd caused iron overload and oxidative stress, and decreased MMP in GC-1 spg cells. In addition, Cd disturbed intracellular iron homeostasis and peroxidation signal pathway based on transcriptomics analysis. Interestingly, these changes induced by Cd could be partially suppressed by pretreated with ferroptotic inhibitors, Ferrostatin-1 and Deferoxamine mesylate. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that Cd exposure during puberty maybe disrupted intracellular iron metabolism and peroxidation signal pathway, triggered ferroptosis in spermatogonia, and ultimately damaged testicular development and spermatogenesis in mice in adulthood.

Single-cell transcriptomic dissection of the toxic impact of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on immature testicular development at the neonatal stage

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) early exposure leads to immature testicular injury, and we aimed to utilize single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing to comprehensively assess the toxic effect of DEHP on testicular development. Therefore, we gavaged pregnant C57BL/6 mice with 750 mg/kg body weight DEHP from gestational day 13.5 to delivery and performed scRNA sequencing of neonatal testes at postnatal day 5.5. The results revealed the gene expression dynamics in testicular cells. DEHP disrupted the developmental trajectory of germ cells and the balance between the self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells. Additionally, DEHP caused an abnormal developmental trajectory, cytoskeletal damage and cell cycle arrest in Sertoli cells; disrupted the metabolism of testosterone in Leydig cells; and disturbed the developmental trajectory in peritubular myoid cells. Elevated oxidative stress and excessive apoptosis mediated by p53 were observed in almost all testicular cells. The intercellular interactions among four cell types were altered, and biological processes related to glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), NOTCH, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and WNT signaling pathways were enriched after DEHP treatment. These findings systematically describe the damaging effects of DEHP on the immature testes and provide substantial novel insights into the reproductive toxicity of DEHP.

Exploration and identification of six novel ferroptosis-related hub genes as potential gene signatures for peripheral nerve injury

Specific biomarkers of ferroptosis after peripheral nerve injury (PNI) are still under debate. In this study, 52 differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (DE-FRGs) were retrieved from publicly accessible sequencing data of intact and injured samples of rats with sciatic nerve crush injury. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that adipogenesis, mitochondrial gene sets, and pathways of MAPK, p53, and CD28 family were predominantly engaged in ferroptosis after PNI. Next, Cdkn1a, Cdh1, Hif1a, Hmox1, Nfe2l2, and Tgfb1 were investigated as new ferroptosis-associated hub genes after PNI. Subsequently, clustering correlation heatmap shows six hub genes are linked to mitochondria. The immunofluorescence assay at 0, 1, 4, 7, and 14 days indicated the temporal expression patterns of Tgfb1, Hmox1, and Hif1a after PNI were consistent with ferroptosis validated by PI and ROS staining, while Cdh1, Cdkn1a, and Nfe2l2 were the opposite. In summary, this study identified six hub genes as possible ferroptosis-related biomarkers for PNI, which may offer therapeutic targets for peripheral nerve regeneration and provide a therapeutic window for ferroptosis.