Role of GPx4 in human vascular endothelial cells, and the compensatory activity of brown rice on GPx4 ablation condition

Salidroside can protect against ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes and may be related to the regulation of GGT1

Indroduction

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death mechanism driven by lipid peroxidation, represents a novel therapeutic target for myocardial injury. Salidroside (SAL), a natural bioactive compound derived from Rhodiola rosea, exhibits cardioprotective effects through multi-target mechanisms with minimal adverse effects, yet its precise role in ferroptosis regulation remains unclear.

Methods

This study systematically investigated SAL's anti-ferroptotic effects using in vitro (RSL3-induced H9C2 cardiomyocytes) and in vivo (DOX-induced myocardial injury mouse model) approaches.

Results

SAL treatment significantly enhanced cardiomyocyte viability by attenuating ferroptotic hallmarks, including lipid ROS accumulation, iron overload, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Transcriptomic analysis revealed SAL-mediated modulation of DNA replication/repair, cell cycle regulation, protein autophosphorylation, drug ADME processes, and glutathione metabolism-a critical pathway in ferroptosis. Molecular docking identified γ-glutamyltransferase 1 (GGT1) as a high-affinity SAL target, linking drug metabolism and glutathione homeostasis. In MI mice, SAL downregulated GGT1 expression while restoring ferroptosis-related biomarkers: upregulating GPX4 and reducing SLC7A11/LC3II levels. Mechanistically, SAL suppresses ferroptosis through dual regulation of GGT1: (1) enhancing glutathione synthesis via GGT1 inhibition and (2) potentiating GPX4-mediated antioxidant defense.

Discussion

These findings establish GGT1 as a pivotal therapeutic target for SAL's cardioprotection, providing a mechanistic basis for its clinical application in ferroptosis-associated cardiovascular diseases.

Mechanism of dracorhodin in accelerating diabetic foot ulcer healing via the Nrf2 pathway, a network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental validation

Delayed wound healing in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a major cause of amputations, with ferroptosis impeding recovery. Dracorhodin (DP), a flavonoid from Dragon's Blood, has shown anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, though its molecular mechanisms is unclear. This study investigates DP's role in DFU treatment through bioinformatics and experimental approaches. A rat model of DFU was created with a high-fat/high-glucose diet and streptozotocin (STZ) induction, and wound healing was monitored after applying varying DP doses. Histopathological analysis and ELISA assessed tissue changes, inflammatory markers, and growth factors. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to identify core targets and pathways, while human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used for in vitro testing. The results demonstrated that DP accelerated wound healing in DFU rats in a dose-dependent manner by enhancing collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and growth factor levels, while simultaneously reducing inflammation and ROS levels. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses identified the Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis pathway as a potential key mechanism underlying DP's therapeutic effects in DFU. In vitro experiments further revealed that DP improved cell viability and migration, while decreasing ROS and lipid peroxidation levels, effects attributed to Nrf2 pathway activation. These outcomes were significantly attenuated by the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385. In conclusion, DP promotes DFU healing via activation of the Nrf2 pathway and inhibition of ferroptosis.

Magnolia kobus DC. suppresses neointimal hyperplasia by regulating ferroptosis and VSMC phenotypic switching in a carotid artery ligation mouse model

BACKGROUND

Magnolia kobus DC (MO), as a plant medicine, has been reported to have various physiological activities, including neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects. However, vascular protective effects of MO remain incompletely understood. In this study, we evaluated the vascular protective effect of MO against ferroptosis in a carotid artery ligation (CAL)-induced neointimal hyperplasia mouse model and in aortic thoracic smooth muscle A7r5 cells.

METHODS

This study was conducted to estimate the vascular protective effects of MO by systematically measuring histopathological analysis and western blot analysis in CAL animal model. In vitro protective effects of MO were evaluated by estimating cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, glutathione (GSH) levels, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial morphological change, cell proliferation, migration, western blot analysis, and qRT-PCR against erastin (Era)-induced A7r5 cells.

RESULTS

MO intake significantly improved neointimal formation, inhibited ferroptosis and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypes, and ameliorated the antioxidant system of carotid artery tissues. In addition, MO treatment effectively ameliorated Era-induced ferroptotic cytotoxicity, including cellular death, ROS production, and cell migration status. MO treatment also suppressed proliferation and migration in Era-induced A7r5 cells. MO considerably regulated Era-induced abnormal mechanisms related to ferroptotic changes, VSMC phenotype switching, and the ROS scavenging system in A7r5 cells.

CONCLUSION

MO has the potential for use as a functional food supplement, nutraceutical, or medicinal food, with protective effects on vascular health by regulating ferroptosis and VSMC phenotypic switching.

Peroxynitrite-Triggered Carbon Monoxide Donor Improves Ischemic Stroke Outcome by Inhibiting Neuronal Apoptosis and Ferroptosis

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury produces excessive reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, including superoxide, nitric oxide, and peroxynitrite (ONOO-). We recently developed a new ONOO--triggered metal-free carbon monoxide donor (PCOD585), exhibiting a notable neuroprotective outcome on the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model and rendering an exciting intervention opportunity toward ischemia-induced brain injuries. However, its therapeutic mechanism still needs to be addressed. In the pharmacological study, we found PCOD585 inhibited neuronal Bcl2/Bax/caspase-3 apoptosis pathway in the peri-infarcted area of stroke by scavenging ONOO-. ONOO- scavenging further led to decreased Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 and increased glutathione peroxidase 4, to minimize lipoperoxidation. Additionally, the carbon monoxide release upon the ONOO- reaction with PCOD585 further inhibited the neuronal Iron-dependent ferroptosis associated with ischemia-reperfusion. Such a synergistic neuroprotective mechanism of PCOD585 yields as potent a neuroprotective effect as Edaravone. Additionally, PCOD585 penetrates the blood-brain barrier and reduces the degradation of zonula occludens-1 by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-9, thereby protecting the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. Our study provides a new perspective for developing multi-functional compounds to treat ischemic stroke.

Ferroptosis: A double-edged sword

Ferroptosis represents a form of programmed cell death that is propelled by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, thereby being distinguished by the prominent features of iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis has been implicated in numerous physiological and pathological phenomena, with mounting indications that it holds significant implications for cancer and other medical conditions. On one side, it demonstrates anti-cancer properties by triggering ferroptosis within malignant cells, and on the other hand, it damages normal cells causing other diseases. Therefore, in this paper, we propose to review the paradoxical regulation of ferroptosis in tumors and other diseases. First, we introduce the development history, concept and mechanism of ferroptosis. The second part focuses on the methods of inducing ferroptosis in tumors. The third section emphasizes the utilization of ferroptosis in different medical conditions and strategies to inhibit ferroptosis. The fourth part elucidates the key contradictions in the control of ferroptosis. Finally, potential research avenues in associated domains are suggested.

Non-Lethal Doses of RSL3 Impair Microvascular Endothelial Barrier through Degradation of Sphingosie-1-Phosphate Receptor 1 and Cytoskeletal Arrangement in A Ferroptosis-Independent Manner

The excess microvascular endothelial permeability is a hallmark of acute inflammatory diseases. Maintenance of microvascular integrity is critical to preventing leakage of vascular components into the surrounding tissues. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is an active lysophospholipid that enhances the endothelial cell (EC) barrier via activation of its receptor S1PR1. Here, we delineate the effect of non-lethal doses of RSL3, an inhibitor of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), on EC barrier function. Low doses of RSL3 (50-100 nM) attenuated S1P-induced human lung microvascular barrier enhancement and the phosphorylation of AKT. To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which RSL3 attenuates S1P's effect, we examined the S1PR1 levels. RSL3 treatment reduced S1PR1 levels in 1 h, whereas the effect was attenuated by the proteasome and lysosome inhibitors as well as a lipid raft inhibitor. Immunofluorescence staining showed that RSL3 induced S1PR1 internalization from the plasma membrane into the cytoplasm. Furthermore, we found that RSL3 (100 and 200 nM) increased EC barrier permeability and cytoskeletal rearrangement without altering cell viability. Taken together, our data delineates that non-lethal doses of RSL3 impair EC barrier function via two mechanisms. RSL3 attenuates S1P1-induced EC barrier enhancement and disrupts EC barrier integrity through the generation of 4-hydroxynonena (4HNE). All these effects are independent of ferroptosis.

Ferroptosis of Endothelial Cells in Vascular Diseases

Endothelial cells (ECs) line the inner surface of blood vessels and play a substantial role in vascular biology. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is strongly correlated with the initiation and progression of many vascular diseases. Regulated cell death, such as ferroptosis, is one of the multiple mechanisms that lead to ED. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent programmed cell death associated with various vascular diseases, such as cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and pulmonary vascular diseases. This review summarized ferroptosis of ECs in vascular diseases and discussed potential therapeutic strategies for treating ferroptosis of ECs. In addition to lipid peroxidation inhibitors and iron chelators, a growing body of evidence showed that clinical drugs, natural products, and intervention of noncoding RNAs may also inhibit ferroptosis of ECs.

Platelet-rich plasma promotes diabetic ulcer repair through inhibition of ferroptosis

BACKGROUND

Ferroptosis, a newly discovered form of cell death, can accumulation activates lipid peroxidation and excessive oxidative stress in a high glucose environment. These phenomena suggest there may be ferroptosis pathways in the pathological processes associated with diabetic ulcer (DU). Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) promotes the healing of DU wounds, which may be achieved by the regulation of ferroptosis pathways. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate this association and uncover the potential underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Cell injury models induced by high glucose were constructed using EA.HY926 (vascular endothelial cells), HSF (fibroblasts), and rat DU models. The MDA, total ROS, total SOD content, the gene and protein expression of GPX4, SLC7A11, and ACSL4, and the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-10, and NLRP3 was subsequently used to evaluate the important role of ferroptosis in the pathological process of DU, and elucidating the molecular mechanism of PRP in ulcer repair.

RESULTS

The results show that compared with the DU control group, the healing rate of the dorsal ulcer wound in the PRP intervention group was accelerated, and the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-10, and NLRP3 in the granulation tissue of ulcer wounds was lower. Further, the expression levels of CD31 and VEGF were higher, the gene and protein expression levels of GPX4 and SLC7A11 were increased, the expression levels of ACSL4 were less, the SOD content was higher, and the MDA content was lower.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, ferroptosis was preliminarily verified in DUs at the cellular and animal levels, while PRP could inhibit ferroptosis and significantly improve the migration and regeneration ability of fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells induced by high glucose.

Crosstalk between regulated necrosis and micronutrition, bridged by reactive oxygen species

The discovery of regulated necrosis revitalizes the understanding of necrosis from a passive and accidental cell death to a highly coordinated and genetically regulated cell death routine. Since the emergence of RIPK1 (receptor-interacting protein kinase 1)-RIPK3-MLKL (mixed lineage kinase domain-like) axis-mediated necroptosis, various other forms of regulated necrosis, including ferroptosis and pyroptosis, have been described, which enrich the understanding of pathophysiological nature of diseases and provide novel therapeutics. Micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals, position centrally in metabolism, which are required to maintain cellular homeostasis and functions. A steady supply of micronutrients benefits health, whereas either deficiency or excessive amounts of micronutrients are considered harmful and clinically associated with certain diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disease. Recent advance reveals that micronutrients are actively involved in the signaling pathways of regulated necrosis. For example, iron-mediated oxidative stress leads to lipid peroxidation, which triggers ferroptotic cell death in cancer cells. In this review, we illustrate the crosstalk between micronutrients and regulated necrosis, and unravel the important roles of micronutrients in the process of regulated necrosis. Meanwhile, we analyze the perspective mechanism of each micronutrient in regulated necrosis, with a particular focus on reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Key ferroptosis-related genes in abdominal aortic aneurysm formation and rupture as determined by combining bioinformatics techniques

Objectives

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a cardiovascular disease with high mortality and pathogenesis closely related to various cell death types, e.g., autophagy, apoptosis and pyroptosis. However, the association between AAA and ferroptosis is unknown.

Methods

GSE57691 and GSE98278 dataset were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and a ferroptosis-related gene (FRG) set was downloaded from the FerrDb database. These data were normalized, and ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (FDEGs, AAA vs. normal samples) were identified using the limma package in R. FRGs expression was analyzed by Gene Set Expression Analysis (GSEA), and FDEGs were analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses using the clusterProfiler package in R and ClueGO in Cytoscape. Protein–protein interaction networks were assembled using Cytoscape, and crucial FDEGs were identified using CytoHubba. Critical FDEG transcription factors (TFs) were predicted with iRegulon. FDEGs were verified in GSE98278 set, and key FDEGs in AAA (compared with normal samples) and ruptured AAA (RAAA; compared with AAA samples) were identified. Ferroptosis-related immune cell infiltration and correlations with key genes were analyzed by CIBERSORT. Key FEDGs were reverified in Ang II-induced AAA models of ApoE^–/– and CD57B/6J mice by immunofluorescence assay.

Results

In AAA and normal samples, 40 FDEGs were identified, and the expression of suppressive FRGs was significantly downregulated with GSEA. For FDEGs, the GO terms were response to oxidative stress and cellular response to external stimulus, and the KEGG pathways were the TNF and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways. IL6, ALB, CAV1, PTGS2, NOX4, PRDX6, GPX4, HSPA5, HSPB1, and NCF2 were the most enriched genes in the crucial gene cluster. CEBPG, NFAT5, SOX10, GTF2IRD1, STAT1, and RELA were potential TFs affecting these crucial genes. Ferroptosis-related immune cells involved in AAA formation were CD8+ T, naive CD4+ T, and regulatory T cells (Tregs); M0 and M2 macrophages; and eosinophils. Tregs were also involved in RAAA. GPX4, SLC2A1, and PEBP1 expression was downregulated in both the RAAA and AAA samples. GPX4 and PEBP1 were more important in AAA because they influenced ferroptosis-related immune cell infiltration, and SLC2A1 was more important in RAAA.

Conclusions

This is the first study to show that ferroptosis is crucial to AAA/RAAA formation. The TNF and NOD-like signaling pathways and ferroptosis-related immune cell infiltration play key roles in AAA/RAAA. GPX4 is a key ferroptosis-related gene in AAA. Ferroptosis and related genes might be promising targets in the treatment of AAA/RAAA.

GPX4: old lessons, new features

GPX4 is a selenocysteine-containing protein that plays an essential role in repairing peroxidised phospholipids. Its role in organismal homeostasis has been known for decades, and it has been reported to play a pivotal role in cell survival and mammalian embryonic development. In recent years, GPX4 has been associated with a cell death modality dubbed ferroptosis. The framing of this molecular pathway of cell death was essential for understanding the conditions that determine GPX4 dependency and ultimately to the process of lipid peroxidation. Since its discovery, ferroptosis has been gaining momentum as a promising target for yet-incurable diseases, including cancer and neurodegeneration. Given the current interest, in the present review, we provide newcomers in the field with an overview of the biology of GPX4 and cover some of its most recent discoveries.

The role of ferroptosis in endothelial cell dysfunction

Ferroptosis is a form of iron-dependent cell death caused by an excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. The importance of ferroptosis in the occurrence and progression of various diseases is gradually being recognized; however, the exact biological effects and potential mechanisms of endothelial cell ferroptosis remain unclear. The endothelium forms the innermost layer of the blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. It acts as an important functional interface, responds to various pathological stimuli and causes endothelial dysfunction. Here, we review recent findings to elucidate the role of ferroptosis in endothelial cells under different pathophysiologic settings.

Targeting regulated cell death in aortic aneurysm and dissection therapy

Regulated cell death (RCD) is a basic biological phenomenon associated with cell and tissue homeostasis. Recent studies have enriched our understanding of RCD, and many novel cell death types, such as ferroptosis and pyroptosis, have been discovered and defined. Aortic aneurysm and dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening condition, but the pathogenesis remains largely unclear. A series of studies have indicated that the death of smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells and inflammatory cells participates in the development of AAD and that corresponding interventions could alleviate disease progression. Many treatments against cell death have been used to impede the process of AAD in vitro and in vivo, which provides strategies to protect against this condition. In this review, we focus on various types of regulated cell death and provide a framework of their roles in AAD, and the information contributes to further exploration of the molecular mechanisms of AAD.

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.

Focus on ferroptosis, pyroptosis, apoptosis and autophagy of vascular endothelial cells to the strategic targets for the treatment of atherosclerosis

Vascular endothelial cells (VECs), which are lined up in the inner surface of blood vessels, are in direct contact with the metabolite-related endogenous danger signals in the circulatory system. Moreover, VECs death impairs vasodilation and increases endothelium-dependent permeability, which is strongly correlated with the development of atherosclerosis (AS). Among several forms of cell death, regulatory death of endothelial cells frequently occurs in AS, mainly including ferroptosis, pyroptosis, apoptosis and autophagy. In this review, we summarize regulatory factors and signaling mechanisms of regulatory death in endothelial cells, discussing their effects in the context of the atherosclerotic procession.

The Emerging Role of Ferroptosis in Liver Diseases

Ferroptosis is a newly discovered type of cell death mediated by iron-dependent lipid peroxide. The disturbance of iron metabolism, imbalance of the amino acid antioxidant system, and lipid peroxide accumulation are considered distinct fingerprints of ferroptosis. The dysregulation of ferroptosis has been intensively studied in recent years due to its participation in various diseases, including cancer, kidney injury, and neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, increasing evidence indicates that ferroptosis plays different roles in a wide spectrum of liver diseases. On the one hand, inhibiting ferroptosis may counteract the pathophysiological progression of several liver diseases, such as alcoholic liver injury, nonalcoholic steatosis hepatitis and fibrosis. On the other hand, inducing ferroptosis may restrict the emergence of secondary resistance to current medicines, such as sorafenib, for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. Here, we summarize the biological characteristics and regulatory signalling pathways of ferroptosis involved in liver disease. The current available medical agents targeting ferroptosis, including inducers or inhibitors applied in liver diseases, are also reviewed. This work aims to provide new insight into the emerging role of pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches for liver diseases.

Insight into the Double-Edged Role of Ferroptosis in Disease

Ferroptosis, a newly described type of iron-dependent programmed cell death that is distinct from apoptosis, necroptosis, and other types of cell death, is involved in lipid peroxidation (LP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Accumulating evidence has highlighted vital roles for ferroptosis in multiple diseases, including acute kidney injury, cancer, hepatic fibrosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, ferroptosis has become one of the research hotspots for disease treatment and attracted extensive attention in recent years. This review mainly summarizes the relationship between ferroptosis and various diseases classified by the system, including the urinary system, digestive system, respiratory system, nervous system. In addition, the role and molecular mechanism of multiple inhibitors and inducers for ferroptosis are further elucidated. A deeper understanding of the relationship between ferroptosis and multiple diseases may provide new strategies for researching diseases and drug development based on ferroptosis.

HMOX1 upregulation promotes ferroptosis in diabetic atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Atherosclerotic vascular disease remains the principal cause of death and disability among patients with type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, the problem is not adequately resolved by therapeutic strategies with currently available drugs or approaches that solely focus on optimal glycemic control. To identify the key contributors and better understand the mechanism of diabetic atherosclerotic vascular disease, we aimed to elucidate the key genetic characteristics and pathological pathways in atherosclerotic vascular disease through nonbiased bioinformatics analysis and subsequent experimental demonstration and exploration in diabetic atherosclerotic vascular disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sixty-eight upregulated and 23 downregulated genes were identified from the analysis of gene expression profiles (GSE30169 and GSE6584). A comprehensive bioinformatic assay further identified that ferroptosis, a new type of programmed cell death and HMOX1 (a gene that encodes heme oxygenase), were vital factors in atherosclerotic vascular disease. We further demonstrated that diabetes significantly increased ferroptosis and HMOX1 levels compared to normal controls. Importantly, the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) effectively attenuated diabetic atherosclerosis, suggesting the causative role of ferroptosis in diabetic atherosclerosis development. At the cellular level, Fer-1 ameliorated high glucose high lipid-induced lipid peroxidation and downregulated ROS production. More importantly, HMOX1 knockdown attenuated Fe2+ overload, reduced iron content and ROS, and alleviated lipid peroxidation, which led to a reduction in ferroptosis in diabetic human endothelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that HMOX1 upregulation is responsible for the increased ferroptosis in diabetic atherosclerosis development, suggesting that HMOX1 may serve as a potential therapeutic or drug development target for diabetic atherosclerosis.

Characterization of Glutathione Peroxidase 4 in Rat Oocytes, Preimplantation Embryos, and Selected Maternal Tissues during Early Development and Implantation

This study aimed to describe glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) in rat oocytes, preimplantation embryos, and female genital organs. After copulation, Sprague Dawley female rats were euthanized with anesthetic on the first (D1), third (D3), and fifth days of pregnancy (D5). Ovaries, oviducts, and uterine horns were removed, and oocytes and preimplantation embryos were obtained. Immunohistochemical, immunofluorescent, and Western blot methods were employed. Using immunofluorescence, we detected GPx4 in both the oocytes and preimplantation embryos. Whereas in the oocytes, GPx4 was homogeneously diffused, in the blastomeres, granules were formed, and in the blastocysts, even clusters were present mainly around the cell nuclei. Employing immunohistochemistry, we detected GPx4 inside the ovary in the corpus luteum, stroma, follicles, and blood vessels. In the oviduct, the enzyme was present in the epithelium, stroma, blood vessels, and smooth muscles. In the uterus, GPx4 was found in the endometrium, myometrium, blood vessels, and stroma. Moreover, we observed GPx4 positive granules in the uterine gland epithelium on D1 and D3 and cytoplasm of fibroblasts forming in the decidua on D5. Western blot showed the highest GPx4 levels in the uterus and the lowest levels in the ovary. Our results show that the GPx4 is necessary as early as in the preimplantation development of a new individual because we detected it in an unfertilized oocyte in a blastocyst and not only after implantation, as was previously thought.

Regulation of ferroptosis by bioactive phytochemicals: Implications for medical nutritional therapy

Ferroptosis is an iron- and lipotoxicity-dependent regulated cell death that has been implicated in various diseases, such as cancer, neurodegeneration and stroke. The biosynthesis of phospholipids, coenzyme Q₁₀, and glutathione, and the metabolism of iron, amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acid, are tightly associated with cellular sensitivity to ferroptosis. Up to now, only limited drugs targeting ferroptosis have been documented and exploring novel effective ferroptosis-modulating compound is needed. Natural bioactive products are conventional resources for drug discovery, and some of them have been clinically used against cancers and neurodegenerative diseases as dietary supplements or pharmaceutic agents. Notably, increasing evidence demonstrates that natural compounds, such as saponins, flavonoids and isothiocyanates, can either induce or inhibit ferroptosis, further expanding their therapeutic potentials. In this review, we highlight current advances of the emerging molecular mechanisms and disease relevance of ferroptosis. We also systematically summarize the regulatory effects of natural phytochemicals on ferroptosis, and clearly indicate that saponins, terpenoids and alkaloids induce ROS- and ferritinophagy-dependent ferroptosis, whereas flavonoids and polyphenols modulate iron metabolism and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling to inhibit ferroptosis. Finally, we explore their clinical applications in ferroptosis-related diseases, which may facilitate the development of their dietary usages as nutraceuticals.

EGCG modulates PKD1 and ferroptosis to promote recovery in ST rats

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes devastating loss of function and neuronal death without effective treatment. (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has antioxidant properties and plays an essential role in the nervous system. However, the underlying mechanism by which EGCG promotes neuronal survival and functional recovery in complete spinal cord transection (ST) remains unclear.

Methods

In the present study, we established primary cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) and a T10 ST rat model to investigate the antioxidant effects of EGCG via its modulation of protein kinase D1 (PKD1) phosphorylation and inhibition of ferroptosis.

Results

We revealed that EGCG significantly increased the cell survival rate of CGNs and PKD1 phosphorylation levels in comparison to the vehicle control, with a maximal effect observed at 50 µM. EGCG upregulated PKD1 phosphorylation levels and inhibited ferroptosis to reduce the cell death of CGNs under oxidative stress and to promote functional recovery and ERK phosphorylation in rats following complete ST.

Conclusion

Together, these results lay the foundation for EGCG as a novel strategy for the treatment of SCI related to PKD1 phosphorylation and ferroptosis.

Ferroptosis inhibitor SRS 16-86 attenuates ferroptosis and promotes functional recovery in contusion spinal cord injury

Cell death is a key issue in spinal cord secondary injury. Ferroptosis is recently discovered as an iron-dependent type of cell death that is distinct from other forms of cell death pathways such as apoptosis and necrosis. This research is aimed to investigate the role of ferroptosis in spinal cord injury (SCI) pathophysiology, and to explore the effectiveness of ferroptosis inhibitor on SCI. We examined the ferroptosis markers and the factors in a rat contusion SCI model. Seen from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) following SCI, mitochondria showed ferroptotic characteristic changes. Treatment with a ferroptosis inhibitor SRS 16-86 enhanced functional recovery after SCI through the upregulation of anti-ferroptosis factor GPX4, GSH and xCT, and the downregulation of the lipid peroxidation marker 4HNE. SRS 16-86 treatment alleviated astrogliosis and enhanced neuronal survival after SCI. The inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1β, TNF-α and ICAM-1) were decreased significantly post SRS 16-86 treatment after SCI. These findings suggest strong correlation between ferroptosis and the secondary injury of SCI. The effectiveness of ferroptosis inhibitor SRS-16-86 on SCI repair leads to the identification of a novel therapeutic target for SCI.

Heme oxygenase-1 mitigates ferroptosis in renal proximal tubule cells

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated nonapoptotic cell death, which contributes to damage in models of acute kidney injury (AKI). Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a cytoprotective enzyme induced in response to cellular stress, and is protective against AKI because of its antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the role of HO-1 in regulating ferroptosis is unclear. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of HO-1 in regulating ferroptotic cell death in renal proximal tubule cells (PTCs). Immortalized PTCs obtained from HO-1^+/+ and HO-1^-/- mice were treated with erastin or RSL3, ferroptosis inducers, in the presence or absence of antioxidants, an iron source, or an iron chelator. Cells were assessed for changes in morphology and metabolic activity as an indicator of cell viability. Treatment of HO-1^+/+ PTCs with erastin resulted in a time- and dose-dependent increase in HO-1 gene expression and protein levels compared with vehicle-treated controls. HO-1^-/- cells showed increased dose-dependent erastin- or RSL3-induced cell death in comparison to HO-1^+/+ PTCs. Iron supplementation with ferric ammonium citrate in erastin-treated cells decreased cell viability further in HO-1^-/- PTCs compared with HO-1^+/+ cells. Cotreatment with ferrostatin-1 (ferroptosis inhibitor), deferoxamine (iron chelator), or N-acetyl-l-cysteine (glutathione replenisher) significantly increased cell viability and attenuated erastin-induced ferroptosis in both HO-1^+/+ and HO-1^-/- PTCs. These results demonstrate an important antiferroptotic role of HO-1 in renal epithelial cells.