Ferroptotic cell death and TLR4/Trif signaling initiate neutrophil recruitment after heart transplantation

Natural products and ferroptosis: A novel approach for heart failure management

BACKGROUND

The discovery of ferroptosis has brought a revolutionary breakthrough in heart failure treatment, and natural products, as a significant source of drug discovery, are gradually demonstrating their extraordinary potential in regulating ferroptosis and alleviating heart failure symptoms. In addition to chemically synthesized small molecule compounds, natural products have attracted attention as an important source for discovering compounds that target ferroptosis in treating heart failure.

PURPOSE

Systematically summarize and analyze the research progress on improving heart failure through natural products' modulation of the ferroptosis pathway.

METHODS

By comprehensively searching authoritative databases like PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure with keywords such as "heart failure", "cardiovascular disease", "heart disease", "ferroptosis", "natural products", "active compounds", "traditional Chinese medicine formulas", "traditional Chinese medicine", and "acupuncture", we aim to systematically review the mechanism of ferroptosis and its link with heart failure. We also want to explore natural small-molecule compounds, traditional Chinese medicine formulas, and acupuncture therapies that can inhibit ferroptosis to improve heart failure.

RESULTS

In this review, we not only trace the evolution of the concept of ferroptosis and clearly distinguish it from other forms of cell death but also establish a comprehensive theoretical framework encompassing core mechanisms such as iron overload and system xc-/GSH/GPX4 imbalance, along with multiple auxiliary pathways. On this basis, we innovatively link ferroptosis with various types of heart failure, covering classic heart failure types and extending our research to pre-heart failure conditions such as arrhythmia and aortic aneurysm, providing new insights for early intervention in heart failure. Importantly, this article systematically integrates multiple strategies of natural products for interfering with ferroptosis, ranging from monomeric compounds and bioactive components to crude extracts and further to traditional Chinese medicine formulae. In addition, non-pharmacological means such as acupuncture are also included.

CONCLUSION

This study fills the gap in the systematic description of the relationship between ferroptosis and heart failure and the therapeutic strategies of natural products, aiming to provide patients with more diverse treatment options and promote the development of the heart failure treatment field.

Therapeutic Approaches Targeting Ferroptosis in Cardiomyopathy

The term cardiomyopathy refers to a group of heart diseases that cause severe heart failure over time. Cardiomyopathies have been proven to be associated with ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic form of cell death. It has been shown that some small molecule drugs and active ingredients of herbal medicine can regulate ferroptosis, thereby alleviating the development of cardiomyopathy. This article reviews recent discoveries about ferroptosis, its role in the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy, and the therapeutic options for treating ferroptosis-associated cardiomyopathy. The article aims to provide insights into the basic mechanisms of ferroptosis and its treatment to prevent cardiomyopathy and related diseases.

Downregulation of the Zinc Transporter ZIP13 (Slc39a13) Leads to Ferroptosis by Inhibiting Mitochondrial Iron-Sulfur Cluster Biosynthesis and Induces Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Mouse Hearts

Aims: While ferroptosis is involved in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, the exact mechanism underlying the induction of ferroptosis by I/R remains elusive. Since downregulation of Zrt, Irt-like protein 13 (ZIP13) plays a role in I/R injury by targeting mitochondria, we hypothesized that ZIP13 downregulation during I/R leads to ferroptosis through a mitochondria-dependent mechanism. Results: ZIP13 cKO (cardiac-specific conditional knockout) induced ferroptosis and suppressed mitochondrial iron-sulfur cluster (ISC) biosynthesis. ZIP13 cKO also reduced glutathione levels as well as solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) expression. Moreover, cKO increased mitochondrial Fe2+ levels. Similar to the action of cKO, I/R led to ZIP13 downregulation, ferroptosis, mitochondrial Fe2+ accumulation, and suppression of ISC biosynthesis. In support, cKO of ZIP13 aggravated I/R-induced ferroptosis and mitochondrial Fe2+ accumulation. In contrast, ZIP13 overexpression prevented I/R-induced ferroptosis, mitochondrial Fe2+ accumulation, and suppression of ISC biosynthesis. Finally, ferrostatin-1, a ferroptosis inhibitor, alleviated I/R-induced ferroptosis as well as cardiac injury in cKO mice. Innovation: This study proposes a previously unknown mechanism by which ZIP13 downregulation contributes to ferroptosis in the setting of myocardial I/R. Conclusions: These findings highlight that ZIP13 downregulation at reperfusion triggers ferroptosis by suppressing the mitochondrial ISC biosynthesis followed by mitochondrial Fe2+ accumulation. Downregulation of SLC7A11 may also contribute to the action of ZIP13 downregulation. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 00, 000-000.

Integrated proteomics and phosphoproteomics profiling dynamic signaling networks underlying two distinct types of macrophage activation

Macrophages play a crucial role in antimicrobial host defense and those with differential maturation/differentiation status differ in inflammatory responses. Herein, GM-CSF and M-CSF primed mouse bone marrow derived macrophages (GM-BMDMs, GM and M-BMDMs, M), the well-established macrophage models in vitro, were utilized and their dynamic signaling changes in response to gram-negative bacteria component LPS treatment were analyzed using both 4D label-free proteomics and phosphoproteomics. Protein changes maintained relatively constant within or across GM and M macrophages post LPS challenge while phospho-protein exhibited more diverse and transient changes. Early induction of phospho-mediated GTPase activities, mRNA processing, and protein-mediated metabolic changes like oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)/mitochondria function was identified at 1 h and maintained until 6 h post LPS treatment in GM and M while canonical TLR mediated MyD88-dependent and -independent pathways were activated at 3 and 6 h, individually at protein levels. Classical and novel phospho-sites for MyD88 and TRIF signaling pathways were also detected by phosphoproteomics. Comprehensively, the integrated protein and phospho-protein trend analysis was conducted and the core protein-phospho-protein network for the early phase actin reorganization, phagocytosis, and TLR signaling in both GM and M were presented. Taken together, these data described differences and similarities between these two types of macrophages in terms of their inflammatory responses to LPS.

Circular RNAs modulate cell death in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a global health challenge, with programmed cell death (PCD) mechanisms like apoptosis and necroptosis playing key roles in the progression. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently been recognized as crucial regulators of gene expression, especially in modulating PCD. In current researches, circRNA regulation of apoptosis is the most studied area, followed by autophagy and ferroptosis. Notably, the regulatory role of circRNAs in pyroptosis and necroptosis has also begun to attract attention. From a mechanistic perspective, circRNAs influence cellular processes through several modes of action, including miRNA sponging, protein interactions, and polypeptide translation. Manipulating circRNAs and their downstream targets through inhibition or overexpression offers versatile therapeutic options for CVD treatment. Continued investigation into circRNA-mediated mechanisms may enhance our understanding of CVD pathophysiology and underscore their potential as novel and promising therapeutic targets.

A bibliometric analysis of the literature published on autophagy, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis in cardiovascular disease from 2009 to 2023

Background

Programmed cell death (PCD) plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Among the various types of PCD, autophagy, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis have garnered increasing attention due to their involvement in inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiomyocyte survival. Although numerous studies have explored the underlying mechanisms of these pathways, their therapeutic potential in clinical practice remains limited. With the rapid growth of publications in this field, a comprehensive understanding of research trends and influential studies is essential to guide future investigations. This study aimed to characterize the progress and research hotspots of autophagy in CVD, ferroptosis in CVD, necroptosis in CVD, and pyroptosis in CVD through a bibliometric analysis to provide a comprehensive overview of PCD in CVD.

Methods

Publications from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2023, were analyzed using the "bibliometrix" R package to assess research output, key contributors, and influential journals in each field.

Results

For the topic of autophagy in CVD, 6,426 articles published by 4,891 institutions from 90 countries/regions were retrieved. For the topic of necroptosis in CVD, 393 articles from 616 organizations in 53 countries/regions were retrieved. For the topic of pyroptosis in CVD, 640 publications from 754 institutions in 48 countries/regions were retrieved. Finally, for the topic of ferroptosis in CVD, 687 articles from 827 institutions in 49 countries/regions were retrieved. Key contributors included Adriana A (22 publications on necroptosis), Ge J, and Ye B (8 publications each on pyroptosis), and Ren J (lead contributor in autophagy and ferroptosis, with 120 and 10 publications, respectively). The most frequently co-cited journals were Cell, Nature, Free Radical Biology and Medicine, and the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Conclusions

This bibliometric analysis highlights the growing interest in PCD in CVD research, with autophagy and pyroptosis being the central themes. Future studies should examine therapeutic strategies targeting ferroptosis and necroptosis to improve CVD treatment. The findings provide a roadmap for researchers to navigate emerging research hotspots and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

An atlas of ferroptosis-induced secretomes

Cells undergoing regulated necrosis systemically communicate with the immune system via the release of protein and non-protein secretomes. Ferroptosis is a recently described iron-dependent type of regulated necrosis driven by massive lipid peroxidation. While membrane rupture occurs during ferroptosis, a comprehensive appraisal of ferroptotic secretomes and their potential biological activity has been lacking. Here, we apply a multi-omics approach to provide an atlas of ferroptosis-induced secretomes and reveal a novel function in macrophage priming. Proteins with assigned DAMP and innate immune system function, such as MIF, heat shock proteins (HSPs), and chaperones, were released from ferroptotic cells. Non-protein secretomes with assigned inflammatory function contained oxylipins as well as TCA- and methionine-cycle metabolites. Interestingly, incubation of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) with ferroptotic supernatants induced transcriptional reprogramming consistent with priming. Indeed, exposure to ferroptotic supernatants enhanced LPS-induced cytokine production. These results define a catalog of ferroptosis-induced secretomes and identify a biological activity in macrophage priming with important implications for the fine-tuning of inflammatory processes.

Regulated cell death and DAMPs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in normothermic perfusion of transplant organs. Part 2: implementation strategies

This Part 2 of a bipartite review commences with the delineation of a conceptual model outlining the fundamental role of injury-induced regulated cell death (RCD) in the release of DAMPs that drive innate immune responses involved in early inflammation-related allograft dysfunction and alloimmune-mediated allograft rejection. In relation to this topic, the focus is on the divergent role of donor and recipient dendritic cells (DCs), which become immunogenic in the presence of DAMPs to regulate alloimmunity, but in the absence of DAMPs acquire tolerogenic properties to promote allotolerance. With respect to this scenario, proposals are then made for leveraging RCD and DAMPs as biomarkers during normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) and normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) of transplant organs from DCD donors, a strategy poised to significantly enhance current policies for assessing donor organ quality. The focus is then on the ambitious goal to target RCD and DAMPs therapeutically during NRP and NMP, aiming to profoundly suppress subsequently early allograft inflammation and alloimmunity in the recipient. This strategic approach seeks to prevent the activation of intragraft innate immune cells including DCs during donor organ reperfusion in the recipient, which is driven by ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced DAMPs. In this context, available inhibitors of various types of RCD, as well as scavengers and inhibitors of DAMPs are highlighted for their promising therapeutic potential in NRP and NMP settings, building on their proven efficacy in other experimental disease models. If successful, this kind of therapeutic intervention should also be considered for application to organs from DBD donors. Finally, drawing on current global insights into the critical role of RCD and DAMPs in driving innate inflammatory and (allo)immune responses, targeting their inhibition and/or prevention during normothermic perfusion of transplant organs from DCD donors - and potentially DBD donors - holds the transformative potential to not only alleviate transplant dysfunction and suppress allograft rejection but also foster allograft tolerance.

Y4 RNA fragment alleviates myocardial injury in heart transplantation via SNRNP200 to enhance IL-10 mRNA splicing

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) inevitably occurs during heart transplantation, highlighting the imperative for effective therapeutic interventions. A Y4 RNA fragment (YF1) was applied to treat a syngeneic mouse model of heart transplantation, with the heart subjected to cold ischemia-reperfusion (CIR). Cardiomyocytes and macrophages were treated with YF1, and a cellular cold hypoxia-reoxygenation (CHR) model was established. We found that YF1 alleviated CIR-induced inflammatory macrophage infiltration and cardiomyocytes injury in the graft heart. YF1 had no direct effects on cardiomyocytes in vitro, while YF1 inhibited macrophage polarization to the pro-inflammatory phenotype with increased expression of anti-inflammatory factors. Moreover, YF1 attenuated CHR-induced cardiomyocyte injury by regulating the interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression in macrophages. Mechanistically, YF1 increased the mRNA expression ratio of IL-10/pre-IL-10 by binding to SNRNP200, a spliceosome-specific protein for pre-mRNA splicing, with reduced SNRNP200 ubiquitination. It was reversed by Brr2-IN-3, a specific SNRNP200 inhibitor. Collectively, we hold that YF1 might alleviate MIRI in heart transplantation via binding to SNRNP200 and regulating its ubiquitination to enhance IL-10 pre-mRNA splicing. These findings further clarify the effects and mechanism of YF1 on MIRI and suggest a potential cardioprotective therapy in heart transplantation.

Ferroptosis: when metabolism meets cell death

We present here a comprehensive update on recent advancements in the field of ferroptosis, with a particular emphasis on its metabolic underpinnings and physiological impacts. After briefly introducing landmark studies that have helped to shape the concept of ferroptosis as a distinct form of cell death, we critically evaluate the key metabolic determinants involved in its regulation. These include the metabolism of essential trace elements such as selenium and iron; amino acids such as cyst(e)ine, methionine, glutamine/glutamate, and tryptophan; and carbohydrates, covering glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, the electron transport chain, and the pentose phosphate pathway. We also delve into the mevalonate pathway and subsequent cholesterol biosynthesis, including intermediate metabolites like dimethylallyl pyrophosphate, squalene, coenzyme Q (CoQ), vitamin K, and 7-dehydrocholesterol, as well as fatty acid and phospholipid metabolism, including the biosynthesis and remodeling of ester and ether phospholipids and lipid peroxidation. Next, we highlight major ferroptosis surveillance systems, specifically the cyst(e)ine/glutathione/glutathione peroxidase 4 axis, the NAD(P)H/ferroptosis suppressor protein 1/CoQ/vitamin K system, and the guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase 1/tetrahydrobiopterin/dihydrofolate reductase axis. We also discuss other potential anti- and proferroptotic systems, including glutathione S-transferase P1, peroxiredoxin 6, dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 2, vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 like 1, nitric oxide, and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4. Finally, we explore ferroptosis's physiological roles in aging, tumor suppression, and infection control, its pathological implications in tissue ischemia-reperfusion injury and neurodegeneration, and its potential therapeutic applications in cancer treatment. Existing drugs and compounds that may regulate ferroptosis in vivo are enumerated.

Warm-ischemia and cold storage induced modulation of ferroptosis observed in human hearts donated after circulatory death and brain death

We investigated ferroptosis, a type of programmed cell death mechanism, in human hearts donated after brain death (DBD) and those donated after circulatory death (DCD), focusing on warm ischemia time (WIT) and cold storage. A total of 24 hearts were procured, with six from the DBD group and 18 from the DCD group. The DCD group was divided into three subgroups, each containing six hearts, based on different WITs of 20, 40, and 60 min. All procured hearts were placed in cold storage for up to 6 h. Left ventricular biopsies were performed at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h. We measured ferroptosis regulators [glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4), and transferrin receptor], iron content (Fe2+ and Fe3+), and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA) in the cardiac tissue. Modulation of ferroptosis was observed in both DBD and DCD hearts. Warm ischemia injury increased myocardial vulnerability to ferroptotic cell death. For DBD hearts, up to 6 h of cold storage increases cardiac levels of MDA, iron content, and ACSL4, thereby increasing vulnerability to ferroptotic cell death. In contrast, for DCD hearts with a WIT of 40 min or more, warm ischemia injury was identified as the primary factor contributing to increased myocardial susceptibility to ferroptotic cell death. Ferroptosis may serve as a promising target to optimize cold preservation for DBD hearts. For DCD hearts, strategies to inhibit ferroptosis should focus on the early warm ischemia phase to assess donor heart quality and suitability for transplantation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The first human heart research explored the effects of ischemia on the myocardial ferroptotic cell death mechanism. Prolonged cold storage increases the susceptibility of DBD hearts to ferroptotic cell death. In contrast, warm ischemic injury appears to be the main factor leading to the vulnerability of DCD heart ferroptosis. Targeting ferroptosis could be beneficial in optimizing cold preservation for DBD hearts. However, for DCD hearts, interventions should focus on the early phase of warm ischemia.

The concept of immunothrombosis in pancreas transplantation

Early failure of a pancreatic allograft due to complete thrombosis has an incidence of approximately 10% and is the main cause of comorbidity in pancreas transplantation. Although several risk factors have been identified, the exact mechanisms leading to this serious complication are still unclear. In this review, we define the roles of the individual components involved during sterile immunothrombosis-namely endothelial cells, platelets, and innate immune cells. Further, we review the published evidence linking the main risk factors for pancreatic thrombosis to cellular activation and vascular modifications. We also explore the unique features of the pancreas itself: the vessel endothelium, specific vascularization, and relationship to other organs-notably the spleen and adipose tissue. Finally, we summarize the therapeutic possibilities for the prevention of pancreatic thrombosis depending on the different mechanisms such as anticoagulation, anti-inflammatory molecules, endothelium protectors, antagonism of damage-associated molecular patterns, and use of machine perfusion.

Dapagliflozin alleviates high-fat-induced obesity cardiomyopathy by inhibiting ferroptosis

AIM

Dapagliflozin (Dapa) is a novel hypoglycaemic agent with multiple cardiovascular protective effects, and it is widely used in treatment of heart failure patients, but whether it can improve obese phenotype of heart failure and its mechanism is still unclear. Ferroptosis is an iron dependent form of cell death and has been proved to be an important role in heart failure. The aim of this study is to determine whether Dapa improves obesity-related heart failure by regulating ferroptosis in high-fat diet rats.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Male SD rats were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks and confirmed of obese heart failure by metabolic parameters and cardiac ultrasound. Being overweight by 20% compared with the normal group, with elevated systolic blood pressure and abnormal levels of insulin and blood lipid (TG and LDL-c), is recognized as obesity. The obese rats with reduced EF, FS, and E/A shown on ultrasound are defined as the obese heart failure (OHF) group. Histological tests confirmed the more pronounced cardiac fibrosis, mitochondrial volume and collagen deposition in OHF group. Dapa treatment effectively reduced body weight, INS, ISI/IRI index, TG and HDL-C levels (P < 0.05). Also, Dapa administration can slightly decrease the SBP and DBP levels; however, there was no statistical difference among those four groups. Furthermore, Dapa treatment can significantly improve high-fat induced systolic and diastolic dysfunction via regulating cardiac histological abnormalities, including less obvious mitochondrial swelling, muscle fibre dissolution and collagen deposition. Additionally, genes from the OHF group were used by GO enrichment analysis, and it shows that ferroptosis metabolic pathway participated in the development of obese phenotype of heart failure. More importantly, Dapa significantly inhibited Fe2+ and MDA levels (P < 0.05), but augmented GSH content (P < 0.05). In addition, the mRNAs and protein expression of some important regulators of ferroptosis, like GPX4, SLC7A11, FTH1 and FPN1, were all decreased after Dapa intervention.

CONCLUSION

Dapa improved high-fat induced obese cardiac dysfunction via regulating ferroptosis pathway.

Mechanisms and preventive measures of ALDH2 in ischemia‑reperfusion injury: Ferroptosis as a novel target (Review)

Ischemia‑reperfusion injury (IRI) refers to tissue or organ damage that occurs following a period of inadequate blood supply (ischemia) followed by restoration of blood flow (reperfusion) within a short time frame. This phenomenon is prevalent in clinical conditions such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, organ transplantation and stroke. Despite its frequency, effective therapeutic strategies to mitigate IRI remain elusive in clinical practice, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of its molecular mechanisms. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), a key enzyme in alcohol metabolism, serves a role in alleviating oxidative stress and cell damage during IRI by modulating oxidative stress, decreasing apoptosis and inhibiting inflammatory responses. ALDH2 exerts protective effects by detoxifying reactive aldehydes, thereby preventing lipid peroxidation and maintaining cellular homeostasis. Furthermore, ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death driven by iron accumulation and subsequent lipid peroxidation, is a key process in IRI. However, the precise role of ALDH2 in modulating ferroptosis during IRI remains incompletely understood. Although there is an interaction between ALDH2 activity and ferroptosis, the underlying mechanisms have yet to be clarified. The present review examines the role of ALDH2 and ferroptosis in IRI and the potential regulatory influence of ALDH2 on ferroptosis mechanisms, as well as potential targeting of ALDH2 and ferroptosis for IRI treatment and prevention. By elucidating the complex interplay between ALDH2 and ferroptosis, the present review aims to provide new insights for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to mitigate ischemic tissue damage and improve clinical outcomes.

Ferroptosis spreads to neighboring cells via plasma membrane contacts

Ferroptosis is a lytic, iron-dependent form of regulated cell death characterized by excessive lipid peroxidation and associated with necrosis spread in diseased tissues through unknown mechanisms. Using a novel optogenetic system for light-driven ferroptosis induction via degradation of the anti-ferroptotic protein GPX4, we show that lipid peroxidation and ferroptotic death can spread to neighboring cells through their closely adjacent plasma membranes. Ferroptosis propagation is dependent on cell distance and completely abolished by disruption of α-catenin-dependent intercellular contacts or by chelation of extracellular iron. Remarkably, bridging cells with a lipid bilayer or increasing contacts between neighboring cells enhances ferroptosis spread. Reconstitution of iron-dependent spread of lipid peroxidation between pure lipid, contacting liposomes provides evidence for the physicochemical mechanism involved. Our findings support a model in which iron-dependent lipid peroxidation propagates across proximal plasma membranes of neighboring cells, thereby promoting the transmission of ferroptotic cell death with consequences for pathological tissue necrosis spread.

Natural compounds and programmed necrosis: pioneering a new frontier in cancer treatments

Programmed necrosis, a controlled cell death method that bypasses resistance mechanisms that render apoptosis ineffective, is a potential cancer treatment target. Due to their diverse biological activities and low side effects, natural products are being explored as modulators of programmed necrosis pathways. This review highlights the potential of natural compounds to target cancer cells while preserving healthy tissues and their interaction with essential programmed necrosis mechanisms like ferroptosis and necroptosis. Recent developments have identified various types of programmable necrosis, including necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, proptosis, mitochondrial permeability transition-driven necrosis, and oncosis. Natural compounds are increasingly being utilized as a primary source of anti-cancer medications, providing new cancer treatments. This review demonstrates the molecular mechanisms behind lipid peroxidation, mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein, and receptor-interacting protein kinases (RIPK1 and RIPK3) inducing cell death. Recent research has identified natural compounds like polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids that can modulate pathways and benefit preclinical cancer models. The review underscores the potential of natural compounds in developing innovative cancer treatments by integrating pharmacology and cellular signaling knowledge. Integrating natural compound studies and programmed necrosis research presents a promising avenue for oncologists to overcome treatment resistance. Natural compounds have shown potential in developing programmed necrosis as a novel cancer treatment approach, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness and minimizing side effects through preclinical research, pharmacology, and molecular biology.

Tissue-resident CCR2+ macrophage TREM-1/3 signaling is necessary for monocyte and neutrophil recruitment to injured hearts

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) has been shown to amplify inflammatory signals, such as Toll-like receptor signaling, after infection and sterile injury. While previous studies have demonstrated that TREM-1 activation in circulating immune cells promotes injury, the role of TREM-1 signaling in tissue-resident cells in the context of sterile inflammation remains poorly understood. Here, we used a cardiac transplantation model to dissect how Trem1/3 expression on heart-resident cells regulates sterile inflammation. TREM-1 is expressed in heart-resident C-C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2)+ macrophages in mice and humans. TREM-1/3 signaling in tissue-resident CCR2+ macrophages promotes C-C motif chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3) production and is critical for recruiting neutrophils and CCR2+ monocytes after heart transplantation. We demonstrate prolonged allograft survival after transplantation of Trem1/3-deficient compared with wild-type hearts. We identify TREM-1/3 signaling in donor grafts as a potential future therapeutic target to blunt inflammation after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Silica-induced ferroptosis activates retinoic acid signaling in dendritic cells to drive inflammation and fibrosis in silicosis

Silicosis, a chronic lung disease caused by inhalation of silica (SiO2) particles from environmental contamination or industrial exposure, is characterized by persistent inflammation and fibrosis. This study elucidates a novel mechanism where SiO2 exposure triggers ferroptosis, a lipid peroxidation-dependent form of cell death, in dendritic cells (DCs), thereby activating retinoic acid (RA) signaling. The RA response amplifies inflammatory pathways, including cGAS-STING-IFN-I and IL-1β signaling, exacerbating lung inflammation and fibrosis. The study uses murine models to demonstrate that ferroptosis inhibitors, such as ferrostatin-1, mitigate SiO2-induced inflammation and collagen deposition. Furthermore, systemic administration of the synthetic retinoid AM80 reduces pulmonary damage by modulating immune cell distribution and promoting lymphocyte homing. These findings reveal the interplay between ferroptosis and RA signaling as a pivotal driver of silicosis pathology and suggest therapeutic avenues targeting ferroptosis and RA modulation for disease management.

Circadian immune system in solid organ transplantation: a review article

The innate and adaptive immune systems are intricately regulated by the circadian clock machinery. Recent clinical investigations have shed light on the influence of timing in organ procurement and transplantation on graft survival. In this review, we explore various mechanisms of immunological functions associated with the steps involved in organ transplantation, spanning from surgical harvesting to reperfusion and linking to the circadian rhythm. A deeper understanding of these processes has the potential to extend the principles of chrono-immunotherapy to the realm of organ transplantation, with the aim of enhancing graft durability and improving patient outcomes. This review concludes with some perspectives on future directions in this exciting and still evolving field of research.

Decoding interaction between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum in ischemic myocardial injury: targeting natural medicines

Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) is a special type or end stage of coronary heart disease or other irreversible ischemic myocardial injury. Inflammatory damage to coronary vessels is a crucial factor in causing stenosis or occlusion of coronary arteries, resulting in myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, but it is also an aspect of cardioprotection that is often overlooked. This review discusses the mechanisms of vascular injury during ICM, in which inflammation and oxidative stress interact and trigger cell death as the cause of coronary microvascular injury. Imbalances in endoplasmic reticulum function and mitochondrial quality control are important potential drivers of inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, many studies have confirmed the therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicines and their natural monomeric components on vascular injuries. Their mitochondrial quality control and endoplasmic reticulum protection mechanisms as well as their role in combating improvements in vascular endothelial function and attenuating vascular injury are also summarized, with a perspective to provide a reference for pathologic understanding, drug research, and clinical application of ICM-associated coronary microvascular injury.

Iron homeostasis and ferroptosis in muscle diseases and disorders: mechanisms and therapeutic prospects

The muscular system plays a critical role in the human body by governing skeletal movement, cardiovascular function, and the activities of digestive organs. Additionally, muscle tissues serve an endocrine function by secreting myogenic cytokines, thereby regulating metabolism throughout the entire body. Maintaining muscle function requires iron homeostasis. Recent studies suggest that disruptions in iron metabolism and ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent cell death, are essential contributors to the progression of a wide range of muscle diseases and disorders, including sarcopenia, cardiomyopathy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Thus, a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms regulating iron metabolism and ferroptosis in these conditions is crucial for identifying potential therapeutic targets and developing new strategies for disease treatment and/or prevention. This review aims to summarize recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis in the context of muscle injury, as well as associated muscle diseases and disorders. Moreover, we discuss potential targets within the ferroptosis pathway and possible strategies for managing muscle disorders. Finally, we shed new light on current limitations and future prospects for therapeutic interventions targeting ferroptosis.

Energy metabolism in health and diseases

Energy metabolism is indispensable for sustaining physiological functions in living organisms and assumes a pivotal role across physiological and pathological conditions. This review provides an extensive overview of advancements in energy metabolism research, elucidating critical pathways such as glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism, along with their intricate regulatory mechanisms. The homeostatic balance of these processes is crucial; however, in pathological states such as neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer, extensive metabolic reprogramming occurs, resulting in impaired glucose metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction, which accelerate disease progression. Recent investigations into key regulatory pathways, including mechanistic target of rapamycin, sirtuins, and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, have considerably deepened our understanding of metabolic dysregulation and opened new avenues for therapeutic innovation. Emerging technologies, such as fluorescent probes, nano-biomaterials, and metabolomic analyses, promise substantial improvements in diagnostic precision. This review critically examines recent advancements and ongoing challenges in metabolism research, emphasizing its potential for precision diagnostics and personalized therapeutic interventions. Future studies should prioritize unraveling the regulatory mechanisms of energy metabolism and the dynamics of intercellular energy interactions. Integrating cutting-edge gene-editing technologies and multi-omics approaches, the development of multi-target pharmaceuticals in synergy with existing therapies such as immunotherapy and dietary interventions could enhance therapeutic efficacy. Personalized metabolic analysis is indispensable for crafting tailored treatment protocols, ultimately providing more accurate medical solutions for patients. This review aims to deepen the understanding and improve the application of energy metabolism to drive innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Ciliary neurotrophic factor attenuates myocardial infarction-induced oxidative stress and ferroptosis via PI3K/Akt signaling

BACKGROUND

As a member of the interleukin-6 family, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) regulates inflammation, oxidative stress, and other processes to exhibit neurotrophic and differentiating effects over cells in the central nervous system. It has not yet been documented, therefore, if CNTF influences the cardiac remodeling brought on by myocardial infarction (MI). The purpose of the current investigation was to identify the function and underlying mechanisms of CNTF in cardiac remodeling brought on by MI.

METHODS

Using an adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) system and tail vein injection, we overexpressed CNTF in the hearts. To create a model of MI, C57BL/6 mice underwent left anterior descending (LAD) ligation. The following techniques were employed to assess the impact of CNTF overexpression and the underlying mechanisms: quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, histological analysis, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry analysis, and echocardiography. We used H9c2 cells to confirm CNTF's in vitro effects.

RESULTS

In MI mice, overexpression of CNTF prevents cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. Furthermore, oxidative stress and ferroptosis in response to MI damage were markedly reduced by CNTF overexpression. Mechanistically, overexpression of CNTF in both in vivo and in vitro markedly enhanced PI3K/Akt signaling. However, blocking this pathway effectively negated the beneficial impact of CNTF overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research indicates that via initiating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, CNTF controls myocardial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis in MI-induced cardiac remodeling. CNTF may have therapeutic potential in treating MI-induced cardiac remodeling.

Targeting regulated cell death: Apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis in anticancer immunity

In the evolving landscape of cancer treatment, the strategic manipulation of regulated cell death (RCD) pathways has emerged as a crucial component of effective anti-tumor immunity. Evidence suggests that tumor cells undergoing RCD can modify the immunogenicity of the tumor microenvironment (TME), potentially enhancing its ability to suppress cancer progression and metastasis. In this review, we first explore the mechanisms of apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis, along with the crosstalk between these cell death modalities. We then discuss how these processes activate antigen-presenting cells, facilitate the cross-priming of CD8+ T cells, and trigger anti-tumor immune responses, highlighting the complex effects of novel forms of tumor cell death on TME and tumor biology. Furthermore, we summarize potential drugs and nanoparticles that can induce or inhibit these emerging RCD pathways and their therapeutic roles in cancer treatment. Finally, we put forward existing challenges and future prospects for targeting RCD in anti-cancer immunity. Overall, this review enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and biological impacts of RCD-based therapies, providing new perspectives and strategies for cancer treatment.

Ferroptosis contributes to immunosuppression

As a novel form of cell death, ferroptosis is mainly regulated by the accumulation of soluble iron ions in the cytoplasm and the production of lipid peroxides and is closely associated with several diseases, including acute kidney injury, ischemic reperfusion injury, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. The term "immunosuppression" refers to various factors that can directly harm immune cells' structure and function and affect the synthesis, release, and biological activity of immune molecules, leading to the insufficient response of the immune system to antigen production, failure to successfully resist the invasion of foreign pathogens, and even organ damage and metabolic disorders. An immunosuppressive phase commonly occurs in the progression of many ferroptosis-related diseases, and ferroptosis can directly inhibit immune cell function. However, the relationship between ferroptosis and immunosuppression has not yet been published due to their complicated interactions in various diseases. Therefore, this review deeply discusses the contribution of ferroptosis to immunosuppression in specific cases. In addition to offering new therapeutic targets for ferroptosis-related diseases, the findings will help clarify the issues on how ferroptosis contributes to immunosuppression.

ENQUIRE automatically reconstructs, expands, and drives enrichment analysis of gene and Mesh co-occurrence networks from context-specific biomedical literature

The accelerating growth of scientific literature overwhelms our capacity to manually distil complex phenomena like molecular networks linked to diseases. Moreover, biases in biomedical research and database annotation limit our interpretation of facts and generation of hypotheses. ENQUIRE (Expanding Networks by Querying Unexpectedly Inter-Related Entities) offers a time- and resource-efficient alternative to manual literature curation and database mining. ENQUIRE reconstructs and expands co-occurrence networks of genes and biomedical ontologies from user-selected input corpora and network-inferred PubMed queries. Its modest resource usage and the integration of text mining, automatic querying, and network-based statistics mitigating literature biases makes ENQUIRE unique in its broad-scope applications. For example, ENQUIRE can generate co-occurrence gene networks that reflect high-confidence, functional networks. When tested on case studies spanning cancer, cell differentiation, and immunity, ENQUIRE identified interlinked genes and enriched pathways unique to each topic, thereby preserving their underlying context specificity. ENQUIRE supports biomedical researchers by easing literature annotation, boosting hypothesis formulation, and facilitating the identification of molecular targets for subsequent experimentation.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of New Improved Ferrostatin-1 Derived Ferroptosis Inhibitors

Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), a first potent ferroptosis inhibitor, faces limitations in clinical use due to its low potency and metabolic instability. This study introduces a series of novel Ferrostatin-1 analogs designed to enhance plasm stability. Our design strategy focused on the modification of the 3-NH2 of Fer-1 with benzenesulfonyl groups, resulting in analogs 9-25. Biological evaluation revealed that compound 18, with an EC50 value of 0.57 μM, outperformed Fer-1 in inhibiting ferroptosis. It reduced intracellular ferrous ion accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and restored glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) levels effectively. Moreover, compound 18 exhibited favorable solubility and remarkable metabolic stability in rat plasma. These results position compound 18 as a promising candidate for developing therapeutics against ferroptosis-related diseases.

Vps4a Mediates a Unified Membrane Repair Machinery to Attenuate Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

BACKGROUND

Cardiac ischemia/reperfusion disrupts plasma membrane integrity and induces various types of programmed cell death. The ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport) proteins, particularly AAA-ATPase Vps4a (vacuolar protein sorting 4a), play an essential role in the surveillance of membrane integrity. However, the role of ESCRT proteins in the context of cardiac injury remains unclear.

METHODS

We simultaneously visualized the formation of membrane blebs and the subcellular translocation of Vps4a during a variety of cell death programs in primary cardiomyocytes. Vps4a cardiomyocyte-specific knockout and overexpression mice were generated and characterized. In vivo and ex vivo surgeries were performed to determine the effects of altered Vps4a expression levels on plasma membrane repair and cell survival. Given the role of Ripk3 (receptor-interacting kinase 3)-mediated pore formation in regulating cell membrane integrity, hearts from Ripk3 and Vps4a double-knockout mice were examined. The sequential recruitment of upstream ESCRT components that promote the translocation of Vps4a to injured sites was also assessed using genetic gain- and loss-of-function approaches. Finally, we overexpressed a mutated form of Vps4a with defective ATPase activity and investigated its function during cardiomyocyte membrane repair.

RESULTS

Ischemia/reperfusion stimulation or forced induction of apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis in primary cardiomyocytes leads to membrane blebbing and the exposure of phosphatidylserine to the extracellular space. In response to injury, Vps4a promptly translocates to injured sites to reseal damaged membranes. Vps4a gain- and loss-of-function in the postnatal stage minimally affects cardiac structure formation and function. However, in the context of ischemia/reperfusion stimulation, overexpression of Vps4a protects cardiomyocytes against injury, whereas Vps4a-deficient hearts are more susceptible to cell damage. Additionally, Ripk3 deletion abrogates the detrimental effects of Vps4a deficiency during ischemia/reperfusion injury, and the Ca2+-Alix-Ist1 axis plays an essential role in recruiting Vps4a to the injured site. Mechanistically, Vps4a promotes the shedding of plasma membrane blebs to restrict permeability to the extracellular environment, and the surveillance of membrane integrity requires the ATPase activity of Vps4a.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that Vps4a-mediated plasma membrane repair is an intrinsic cell protection machinery that antagonizes cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury, and our findings may contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies towards attenuating cardiac injury.

Ferroptosis and its relationship with cancer

Marked by iron buildup and lipid peroxidation, ferroptosis is a relatively new regulatory cell death (RCD) pathway. Many diseases like cancer, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), neurological disorders and acute renal failure (AKI) are corelated with ferroptosis. The main molecular processes of ferroptosis discovered yet will be presented here, along with the approaches in which it interacts with tumour-associated signaling pathways and its uses in systemic therapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy managing tumors.

Bioinformatics analysis of ferroptosis-related hub genes and immunoinfiltration in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion following heart transplantation

BACKGROUND

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is an inevitable pathophysiological process during heart transplantation, and ferroptosis is an important pathogenic mechanism. Unlike other modes of cell death, ferroptosis depends on the accumulation of iron within the cell and the oxidative degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Dysregulation of this pathway has been linked to the progression of multiple pathological conditions, making it an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effect of ferroptosis on I/R during heart transplantation.

METHODS

GEO2R was applied to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) obtained from GSE50884 data, which was involved in I/R and heart transplantation. And ferroptosis-related DEGs (FRDEGs) were screened by venn diagram with ferroptosis-related genes downloaded from FerDb database. FRDEGs was enriched and analyzed by GO and KEGG, and hub genes related to ferroptosis were screened by Cytoscape software and database STRING. Additionally, considering the relationship between ferroptosis and immunity, CIBERSORTx was to analyze the infiltration of 22 kinds of immune cells in I/R during heart transplantation, and the correlation between each immune cell and the expression of FRDEGs was also discussed. Finally, the mouse model of heart transplantation with I/R was constructed, and the hub genes was verified by RT-qPCR and western blot.

RESULTS

12 FRDEGs were identified out of 327 DEGs in GSE50844, which were mainly involved in ferroptosis and other pathways. Three hub genes (SLC7A11, PSAT1, ASNS) were obtained by the degree algorithm of cytohubba plug-in. Immunoinfiltration analysis showed that 16 of 22 immune cells changed, and the immune score of heart transplantation with I/R was higher than that without I/R. In addition, hub genes exhibited significant correlation with Eosinophils, NK cells resting, Dendritic cells resting, NK cells activated and T cells CD4 memory activated. We verified the expression of SLC7A11, PSAT1 and ASNS was higher than that in normal tissues using RT-qPCR and western blot in mouse models of heart transplantation with I/R, companied by ferroptosis aggravated is involved.

CONCLUSIONS

In short, ferroptosis is involved in I/R injury during heart transplantation, which is related to immune cell infiltration. Three hub genes (SLC7A11, PSAT1 and ASNS) identified in this study provide therapeutic targets for ameliorating I/R injury in heart transplantation.

Goose Deoxycholic Acid Ameliorates Liver Injury in Laying Hens with Fatty Liver Hemorrhage Syndrome by Inhibiting the Inflammatory Response

Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) in laying hens is a nutritional and metabolic disease involving liver enlargement, hepatic steatosis, and hepatic hemorrhage as the primary symptoms. The syndrome is prone to occur during the peak laying period of laying hens, which has resulted in significant economic losses in the laying hen breeding industry; however, the specific pathogenesis of FLHS remains unclear. Our group and previous studies have shown that bile acid levels are significantly decreased during the development of fatty liver and that targeted activation of bile acid-related signaling pathways is beneficial for preventing and treating fatty liver. In this study, we generated a FLHS laying hen model by feeding hens a high-energy, low-protein diet, with goose deoxycholic acid (CDCA) given as an intervention. HE staining, fluorescence quantitative PCR, and ELISA were used to evaluate the effects of CDCA on pathological changes and inflammatory responses in the liver. The results showed that hepatic hemorrhage in FLHS laying hens was reduced after CDCA treatment. Furthermore, fat vacuoles and transaminase levels decreased significantly. In addition, expression levels of M1-type macrophage markers and polarization products were significantly reduced, and the expression of pro-inflammatory regulatory factors related to the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, LPS-TLR4-Myd88-NF-kB signaling pathway, and NLRP3 inflammasomes decreased significantly as well. Expression levels of M2-type macrophage markers and polarization products increased significantly, as did the expression of anti-inflammatory regulators related to the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. These results suggest that CDCA ameliorates liver injury in laying hens with FLHS by inhibiting macrophage M1-type polarization and the resulting pro-inflammatory response, thereby promoting M2-type macrophage polarization and an anti-inflammatory response.

In defence of ferroptosis

Rampant phospholipid peroxidation initiated by iron causes ferroptosis unless this is restrained by cellular defences. Ferroptosis is increasingly implicated in a host of diseases, and unlike other cell death programs the physiological initiation of ferroptosis is conceived to occur not by an endogenous executioner, but by the withdrawal of cellular guardians that otherwise constantly oppose ferroptosis induction. Here, we profile key ferroptotic defence strategies including iron regulation, phospholipid modulation and enzymes and metabolite systems: glutathione reductase (GR), Ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), NAD(P)H Quinone Dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), retinal reductases and retinal dehydrogenases (RDH) and thioredoxin reductases (TR). A common thread uniting all key enzymes and metabolites that combat lipid peroxidation during ferroptosis is a dependence on a key cellular reductant, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). We will outline how cells control central carbon metabolism to produce NADPH and necessary precursors to defend against ferroptosis. Subsequently we will discuss evidence for ferroptosis and NADPH dysregulation in different disease contexts including glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, cancer and neurodegeneration. Finally, we discuss several anti-ferroptosis therapeutic strategies spanning the use of radical trapping agents, iron modulation and glutathione dependent redox support and highlight the current landscape of clinical trials focusing on ferroptosis.

An emerging double‑edged sword role of ferroptosis in cardiovascular disease (Review)

The pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is complex and presents a serious threat to human health. Cardiomyocyte loss serves a pivotal role in both the onset and progression of CVD. Among various forms of programmed cell death, ferroptosis, along with apoptosis, autophagy and pyroptosis, is closely linked to the advancement of CVD. Ferroptosis, a mechanism of cell death, is driven by the buildup of oxidized lipids and excess iron. This pathway is modulated by lipid, amino acid and iron metabolism. Key characteristics of ferroptosis include disrupted iron homeostasis, increased peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids due to reactive oxygen species, decreased glutathione levels and inactivation of glutathione peroxidase 4. Treatments targeting ferroptosis could potentially prevent or alleviate CVD by inhibiting the ferroptosis pathway. Ferroptosis is integral to the pathogenesis of several types of CVD and inhibiting its occurrence in cardiomyocytes could be a promising therapeutic strategy for the future treatment of CVD. The present review provided an in‑depth analysis of advancements in understanding the mechanisms underlying ferroptosis. The present manuscript summarized the interplay between ferroptosis and CVDs, highlighting its dual roles in these conditions. Additionally, potential therapeutic targets within the ferroptosis pathway were discussed, alongside the current limitations and future directions of these novel treatment strategies. The present review may offer novel insights into preventive and therapeutic approaches for CVDs.

Ferroptosis, a therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer

The identification of ferroptosis represents a pivotal advancement in the field of cell death research, revealing an entirely novel mechanism of cellular demise and offering new insights into the initiation, progression, and therapeutic management of various diseases. Ferroptosis is predominantly induced by intracellular iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, or impairments in the antioxidant defense system, culminating in membrane rupture and consequent cell death. Studies have associated ferroptosis with a wide range of diseases, and by enhancing our comprehension of its underlying mechanisms, we can formulate innovative therapeutic strategies, thereby providing renewed hope for patients.

Ferroptosis and its impact on common diseases

Ferroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death characterized by iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and a decline in antioxidant capacity, all of which are regulated by gene expression. The onset of numerous diseases is closely associated with ferroptosis. Common diseases affect a large population, reduce the quality of life, and impose an increased burden on the healthcare system. The role of ferroptosis in common diseases, its therapeutic potential, and even its translation into clinical drug treatments are currently significant research topics worldwide. This study preliminarily explores the theoretical basis of ferroptosis, its mechanism and treatment prospect in common diseases including ischaemia-reperfusion injury, inflammatory bowel diseases, liver fibrosis, acute kidney injury, diabetic kidney disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, immune and cancer. This review provides a theoretical foundation for the further study and development of ferroptosis, as well as for the prevention and treatment of common diseases.

Deciphering ferroptosis in critical care: mechanisms, consequences, and therapeutic opportunities

Ischemia-reperfusion injuries (IRI) across various organs and tissues, along with sepsis, significantly contribute to the progression of critical illnesses. These conditions disrupt the balance of inflammatory mediators and signaling pathways, resulting in impaired physiological functions in human tissues and organs. Ferroptosis, a distinct form of programmed cell death, plays a pivotal role in regulating tissue damage and modulating inflammatory responses, thereby influencing the onset and progression of severe illnesses. Recent studies highlight that pharmacological agents targeting ferroptosis-related proteins can effectively mitigate oxidative stress caused by IRI in multiple organs, alleviating associated symptoms. This manuscript delves into the mechanisms and signaling pathways underlying ferroptosis, its role in critical illnesses, and its therapeutic potential in mitigating disease progression. We aim to offer a novel perspective for advancing clinical treatments for critical illnesses.

Mechanism and application prospect of ferroptosis inhibitors in improving osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, a prevalent bone metabolic disorder, has emerged as a pressing global public health concern. Recent studies have illuminated a crucial link between ferroptosis and the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. Nevertheless, the intricate mechanisms underlying the role of ferroptosis in this condition remain largely unexplored. Therefore, this article comprehensively reviews the regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis and the modulating effects on the development and progression of osteoporosis, as reported in recent years. Furthermore, this review summarizes the current state of the interventional strategies employed by both Western medicines and traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) in addressing osteoporosis. This review aims to uncover potential novel avenues for the prevention and control of osteoporosis by synthesizing the modes of action and clinical efficacy of these therapeutic modalities.

Ferrostatin-1 improves acute sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy via inhibiting neutrophil infiltration through impaired chemokine axis

Introduction

Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy is a common complication of sepsis and is associated with higher mortality. To date, effective diagnostic and management strategies are still lacking. Recent studies suggest that ferroptosis plays a critical role in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy and ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) improved cardiac dysfunction and survival in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced endotoxemia. However, the effects of Fer-1 in cardiac dysfunction in the early stages of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) induced sepsis remains unclear. Our study aims to elucidate the role of Fer-1 in the acute phase of peritonitis sepsis induced cardiac injury.

Methods and Results

CLP was used to induce peritonitis sepsis in mice. Pretreatment of ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) was used in the in vivo models. Survival was monitored for 48h. Cardiac function and histology were analyzed 6h after surgery. We found that ejection fraction (EF) remained normal at 6h after CLP, but the contractility detected by cardiac muscle strain analysis was significantly reduced, along with increased immune cell infiltration. Pretreating the CLP mice with 5 mg/kg Fer-1 significantly reduced mortality. At 6h after CLP, ferroptosis key regulator Gpx4, cardiac iron and malonaldehyde (MDA) did not change, but ferroptosis marker gene expression increased. Fer-1 treatment showed beneficial effects in cardiac function, less myocardial inflammatory cytokine expression and significantly inhibited immune cells, especially neutrophil infiltration in the heart. Consistently, expression of neutrophil associated chemokines (Ccrl2, Cxcl2, Cxcl3 and Cxcl5) as well as extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation enzymes (Adamts1, Adamts4, Adamts9 and Mmp8) significantly decreased in Fer-1 pre-treated CLP heart.

Conclusion and Discussion

Our findings suggest that Fer-1 inhibits neutrophil infiltration in early sepsis by disrupting the chemokine axis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic option to manage acute immune overactivation in early stages of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy.

Ferroptosis: mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Ferroptosis is a nonapoptotic form of cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation in membrane phospholipids. Since its identification in 2012, extensive research has unveiled its involvement in the pathophysiology of numerous diseases, including cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, organ injuries, infectious diseases, autoimmune conditions, metabolic disorders, and skin diseases. Oxidizable lipids, overload iron, and compromised antioxidant systems are known as critical prerequisites for driving overwhelming lipid peroxidation, ultimately leading to plasma membrane rupture and ferroptotic cell death. However, the precise regulatory networks governing ferroptosis and ferroptosis-targeted therapy in these diseases remain largely undefined, hindering the development of pharmacological agonists and antagonists. In this review, we first elucidate core mechanisms of ferroptosis and summarize its epigenetic modifications (e.g., histone modifications, DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs, and N6-methyladenosine modification) and nonepigenetic modifications (e.g., genetic mutations, transcriptional regulation, and posttranslational modifications). We then discuss the association between ferroptosis and disease pathogenesis and explore therapeutic approaches for targeting ferroptosis. We also introduce potential clinical monitoring strategies for ferroptosis. Finally, we put forward several unresolved issues in which progress is needed to better understand ferroptosis. We hope this review will offer promise for the clinical application of ferroptosis-targeted therapies in the context of human health and disease.

Ferroptosis crosstalk in anti-tumor immunotherapy: molecular mechanisms, tumor microenvironment, application prospects

Immunotherapies for cancer, specifically immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI), have shown potential in reactivating the body's immune response against tumors. However, there are challenges to overcome in addressing drug resistance and improving the effectiveness of these treatments. Recent research has highlighted the relationship between ferroptosis and the immune system within immune cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME), suggesting that combining targeted ferroptosis with immunotherapy could enhance anti-tumor effects. This review explores the potential of using immunotherapy to target ferroptosis either alone or in conjunction with other therapies like immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, radiotherapy, and nanomedicine synergistic treatments. It also delves into the roles of different immune cell types in promoting anti-tumor immune responses through ferroptosis. Together, these findings provide a comprehensive understanding of synergistic immunotherapy focused on ferroptosis and offer innovative strategies for cancer treatment.

Neuroinflammation in Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases: Role of Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress

A shared hallmark of age-related neurodegenerative diseases is the chronic activation of innate immune cells, which actively contributes to the neurodegenerative process. In Alzheimer's disease, this inflammatory milieu exacerbates both amyloid and tau pathology. A similar abnormal inflammatory response has been reported in Parkinson's disease, with elevated levels of cytokines and other inflammatory intermediates derived from activated glial cells, which promote the progressive loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons. Understanding the causes that support this aberrant inflammatory response has become a topic of growing interest and research in neurodegeneration, with high translational potential. It has been postulated that the phenotypic shift of immune cells towards a proinflammatory state combined with the presence of immunogenic cell death fuels a vicious cycle in which mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role. Mitochondria and mitochondria-generated reactive oxygen species are downstream effectors of different inflammatory signaling pathways, including inflammasomes. Dysfunctional mitochondria are also recognized as important producers of damage-associated molecular patterns, which can amplify the immune response. Here, we review the major findings highlighting the role of mitochondria as a checkpoint of neuroinflammation and immunogenic cell deaths in neurodegenerative diseases. The knowledge of these processes may help to find new druggable targets to modulate the inflammatory response.

Cardamonin Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Ferroptosis Through Promoting STAT3 Signaling

Objective

Ferroptosis is intricately associated with the pathophysiology processes of myocardial ischemia. Cardamonin (CAR) has been shown to provide significant protection against tissue damage due to multiple ischemia/reperfusion. This study aimed to examine the cardioprotective properties of CAR in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) and provide insights into the possible mechanisms involved.

Methods

An MIRI mice model was conducted by coronary artery ligation, and the effects of CAR on myocardial tissue damage were evaluated by infarct size assessment, echocardiography, and H&E staining. The extent of ferroptosis was detected by examining the levels of ferroptosis-related proteins and lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS). The function pathway of CAR was analyzed by network pharmacology and verified using Western blotting. In addition, we induced hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in cardiomyocytes to detect SLC7A11 expression, ROS level, mitochondrial iron content, and oxidative stress marker levels. The target protein of CAR was identified by Western blotting and molecular docking. We then evaluated the regulatory role of STAT3 on MIRI-induced ferroptosis by silencing STAT3.

Results

In our study, CAR demonstrated a reduction in myocardial histopathological damage and mitigation of ferroptosis in MIRI mice. Through network pharmacology analysis and Western blotting, our findings indicated that CAR modulates the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, particularly impacting STAT3. Meanwhile, in vitro experiments revealed that advanced-glycation end products (AGEs) exacerbated H/R-induced ferroptosis, whereas CAR alleviated this ferroptosis in the presence of both AGEs and H/R. CAR was observed to enhance STAT3 expression in H/R+AGRs-treated cardiomyocytes. Molecular docking results demonstrated favorable binding interactions between CAR and STAT3. Our study confirmed that CAR mitigated MIRI-induced myocardial injury and ferroptosis through targeting STAT3 in mice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CAR inhibited ferroptosis by activating the STAT3 signaling, thereby mitigating MIRI.

Identification and characterization of novel ferroptosis-related genes in acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide. Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death, plays a critical role in modulating immune functions during AMI. This study aimed to identify ferroptosis-related hub genes that could serve as potential therapeutic targets in the progression of AMI.

METHODS

Bioinformatics was used to identify overlapping genes associated with ferroptosis and the infiltration of 22 immune cells by Cell-type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets of RNA Transcript (CIBERSORT) analysis. The expression of ferroptosis-related genes in AMI was validated across independent datasets, clinical samples, and in vitro cellular experiments. The predictive value for heart failure was evaluated in the first dimension of principal component analysis (PCA) using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

The study identified 11 key ferroptosis-related genes significantly correlated with immune cell abundance. CIBERSORT analysis highlighted immune dysregulation in AMI. JDP2, DUSP1, TLR4, NFS1, and SLC1A5 were identified as potential biomarkers for AMI progression. Additionally, JDP2, DUSP1, and DDIT4 demonstrated strong predictive value for long-term heart failure.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the potential association of ferroptosis-related genes with the pathogenesis of AMI, suggesting a role in the molecular mechanisms that may underlie acute coronary events.

MicroRNA-mediated regulation of Ferroptosis: Implications for disease pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions

Ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent regulated cell death, is characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides and distinctive morphological features. Moreover, the reduction of intracellular antioxidant enzyme expression or activity, specifically glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) results in activation of the endogenous pathway of ferroptosis. In this review, we aimed to explore the intricate interplay between microRNAs (miRNAs) and ferroptosis, shedding light on its implications in various disease pathologies. This review delves into the role of miRNAs in modulating key regulators of ferroptosis, including genes involved in iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant defenses. Furthermore, the potential of targeting miRNAs for therapeutic interventions in ferroptosis-related diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and ischemia/reperfusion injury, is highlighted.

OTUB1 regulation of ferroptosis and the protective role of ferrostatin-1 in lupus nephritis

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a prevalent and severe manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), leading to significant morbidity and mortality. OTUB1, a deubiquitinating enzyme, has emerged as a potential therapeutic target due to its role in cellular protection and regulation of ferroptosis, a form of cell death linked to LN. Our study revealed significantly reduced OTUB1 expression in the glomeruli of LN patients and podocytes, correlated with disease severity. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated OTUB1 knockout in podocytes resulted in pronounced injury, indicated by decreased levels of nephrin and podocin. Ferrostatin-1 treatment effectively mitigated this injury, restoring SLC7A11 expression and significantly reducing MDA levels, Fe2+ levels, BODIPY C11 expression, and normalized cysteine and glutathione expression. In the MRL/lpr mouse model, Ferrostatin-1 significantly improved renal function decreased proteinuria, and ameliorated renal histopathological changes, including reduced glomerular endothelial swelling, mesangial cell proliferation, and leukocyte infiltration. These results underscore the protective role of Ferrostatin-1 in modulating the pathogenesis of LN. OTUB1 plays a crucial protective role against podocyte injury in LN by regulating ferroptosis. Ferrostatin-1 effectively mitigates podocyte damage induced by OTUB1 deficiency, suggesting that targeting ferroptosis could be a promising therapeutic strategy for LN.

Hypoxia sensing in resident cardiac macrophages regulates monocyte fate specification following ischemic heart injury

Myocardial infarction initiates cardiac remodeling and is central to heart failure pathogenesis. Following myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, monocytes enter the heart and differentiate into diverse subpopulations of macrophages. Here we show that deletion of Hif1α, a hypoxia response transcription factor, in resident cardiac macrophages led to increased remodeling and overrepresentation of macrophages expressing arginase 1 (Arg1). Arg1+ macrophages displayed an inflammatory gene signature and may represent an intermediate state of monocyte differentiation. Lineage tracing of Arg1+ macrophages revealed a monocyte differentiation trajectory consisting of multiple transcriptionally distinct states. We further showed that deletion of Hif1α in resident cardiac macrophages resulted in arrested progression through this trajectory and accumulation of an inflammatory intermediate state marked by persistent Arg1 expression. Depletion of the Arg1+ trajectory accelerated cardiac remodeling following ischemic injury. Our findings unveil distinct trajectories of monocyte differentiation and identify hypoxia sensing as an important determinant of monocyte differentiation following myocardial infarction.

Targeting ferroptosis in autoimmune diseases: Mechanisms and therapeutic prospects

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death that relies on iron and exhibits unique characteristics, including disrupted iron balance, reduced antioxidant defenses, and abnormal lipid peroxidation. Recent research suggests that ferroptosis is associated with the onset and progression of autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the precise effects and molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This article presents an overview of how ferroptosis mechanisms contribute to the development and advancement of autoimmune diseases, as well as the involvement of various immune cells in linking ferroptosis to autoimmune conditions. It also explores potential drug targets within the ferroptosis pathway and recent advancements in therapeutic approaches aimed at preventing and treating autoimmune diseases by targeting ferroptosis. Lastly, the article discusses the challenges and opportunities in utilizing ferroptosis as a potential therapeutic avenue for autoimmune disorders.

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

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

Propofol pretreatment inhibits ferroptosis and alleviates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury through the SLC16A13-AMPK-GPX4 pathway

This study investigates the protective effects of propofol on the myocardium by inhibiting the expression of SLC16A13 through in vivo animal experiments, while also exploring its mechanism in ferroptosis to provide new strategies for preventing perioperative myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. We randomly divided 30 rats into three groups (n=10 each): sham surgery group, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) group, and propofol pretreatment group. The results showed that compared with the sham surgery group, the I/R group had a significant decrease in cardiac function and an increase in infarct size. Propofol pretreatment effectively alleviated the damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). In the next phase of the study, we administered the PPARα agonist GW7647 to artificially increase the expression of SLC16A13. Fifty rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=10 each), with the GW7647 pretreatment group and propofol+GW7647 pretreatment group added based on the previous three groups. Afterwards, we validated the in vivo results using H9C2 and further explored the mechanism by which propofol inhibits ferroptosis. The study found that L-lactic acid in myocardial tissue of the GW7647 group was further increased compared to the I/R group, and the degree of ferroptosis was aggravated. In addition, upregulation of SLC16A13 significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of AMPK, weakened the protective mechanism of AMPK, and exacerbated cardiac damage. However, propofol pretreatment can effectively inhibit the expression of SLC16A13, maintain normal myocardial cell morphology, and protect cardiac function. These results indicate that propofol inhibits the expression of SLC16A13, alleviates myocardial cell ferroptosis via the AMPK/GPX4 pathway, and reverses damage caused by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion.

Epigenetic regulation of diverse regulated cell death modalities in cardiovascular disease: Insights into necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis

Cell death constitutes a critical component of the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. A growing array of non-apoptotic forms of regulated cell death (RCD)-such as necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and cuproptosis-has been identified and is intimately linked to various cardiovascular conditions. These forms of RCD are governed by genetically programmed mechanisms within the cell, with epigenetic modifications being a common and crucial regulatory method. Such modifications include DNA methylation, RNA methylation, histone methylation, histone acetylation, and non-coding RNAs. This review recaps the roles of DNA methylation, RNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs in cardiovascular diseases, as well as the mechanisms by which epigenetic modifications regulate key proteins involved in cell death. Furthermore, we systematically catalog the existing epigenetic pharmacological agents targeting novel forms of RCD and their mechanisms of action in cardiovascular diseases. This article aims to underscore the pivotal role of epigenetic modifications in precisely regulating specific pathways of novel RCD in cardiovascular diseases, thus offering potential new therapeutic avenues that may prove more effective and safer than traditional treatments.