Alpha lipoic acid antagonizes cytotoxicity of cobalt nanoparticles by inhibiting ferroptosis-like cell death

Chemical Design of Magnetic Nanomaterials for Imaging and Ferroptosis-Based Cancer Therapy

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulatory cell death, has garnered significant interest as a therapeutic target in cancer treatment due to its distinct characteristics, including lipid peroxide generation and redox imbalance. However, its clinical application in oncology is currently limited by issues such as suboptimal efficacy and potential off-target effects. The advent of nanotechnology has provided a new way for overcoming these challenges through the development of activatable magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). These innovative MNPs are designed to improve the specificity and efficacy of ferroptosis induction. This Review delves into the chemical and biological principles guiding the design of MNPs for ferroptosis-based cancer therapies and imaging-guided therapies. It discusses the regulatory mechanisms and biological attributes of ferroptosis, the chemical composition of MNPs, their mechanism of action as ferroptosis inducers, and their integration with advanced imaging techniques for therapeutic monitoring. Additionally, we examine the convergence of ferroptosis with other therapeutic strategies, including chemodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, and immunotherapy, within the context of nanomedicine strategies utilizing MNPs. This Review highlights the potential of these multifunctional MNPs to surpass the limitations of conventional treatments, envisioning a future of drug-resistance-free, precision diagnostics and ferroptosis-based therapies for treating recalcitrant cancers.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplementation and Iron Homeostasis: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

A growing body of evidence indicates the regulating effects of alpha-lipoic acid on iron metabolism. However, findings from clinical trials are equivocal. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the quantitative effect of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on iron metabolism parameters including serum iron, total iron binding capacity, hemoglobin, and ferritin.

METHODOLOGY

Online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched, up to 29 May 2022, to obtain all relevant studies.

RESULTS

A total of 1901 publications were identified in the systematic search; of which, 10 studies with a total of 529 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled analysis of the studies showed no statistically significant effects of ALA on ferritin (weighted mean difference (WMD) = -11.01 ng/mL; 95% CI: -40.07, 18.05 ng/mL; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.670), serum iron (WMD = -0.47 μ/dL; 95% CI: -24.48, 23.54 μ/dL; I2 = 94.7%, p < 0.001), hemoglobin (WMD = 0.49 g/dL; 95% CI: -0.54, 1.52 g/dL; I2 = 95.7%, p < 0.001), and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) (WMD = 3.95 μ/dL; 95% CI: -21.3, 29.2 μ/dL; I2 = 53.1%, p = 0.094). In subgroup analysis, ALA significantly increased hemoglobin in patients with hematological disorders (WMD = 1.23 g/dL; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.45 g/dL; I2 = 96.6%, p < 0.001) and in studies with durations longer than 8 weeks (WMD = 1.03 g/dL; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.25 g/dL; I2 = 96.5%, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

ALA supplementation had no statistically significant effect on iron-related parameters. Subgroup analysis revealed a significant increasing effect of ALA on hemoglobin in patients with hematological disorders and in studies with durations >8 weeks.

Cobalt nanoparticles attenuate microplastic-induced vascular endothelial injury via Nrf2 pathway activation

The widespread utilization of plastic and cobalt alloy products in industries and medicine has led to the increased presence of their degradation byproducts, microplastics (MPs), and cobalt nanoparticles (Co NPs), in the environment and organisms. While these particles can circulate throughout the body via the circulatory system, their specific adverse effects and mechanisms on the vascular system remain unclear. Employing scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis and other methodologies, we demonstrate the potential adsorption and aggregation phenomena between MPs and Co NPs. In vitro experiments illustrate that ingestion of either MPs or Co NPs compromises vascular endothelial cell function and induces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Notably, this effect is markedly attenuated when a combination of MPs and Co NPs is administered compared to MPs alone. Additionally, zebrafish experiments validate our in vitro findings. Mechanistic studies have demonstrated that both MPs and Co NPs induce aberrant Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling. Intriguingly, a weaker activation level is observed when these agents are administered in combination compared to when they are administered individually. Our study provides novel insights into the interaction between MPs and Co NPs and their detrimental effects on vascular endothelial cells.

DNA Methylation-Mediated GPX4 Transcriptional Repression and Osteoblast Ferroptosis Promote Titanium Particle-Induced Osteolysis

Metal wear particles generated by the movement of joint prostheses inevitably lead to aseptic osteolytic damage and ultimately prosthesis loosening, which are aggravated by various types of regulated cell death of bone. Nevertheless, the exact cellular nature and regulatory network underlying osteoferroptosis are poorly understood. Here, we report that titanium particles (TP) induced severe peri-implant osteolysis and ferroptotic changes with concomitant transcriptional repression of a key anti-ferroptosis factor, GPX4, in a mouse model of calvarial osteolysis. GPX4 repression was accompanied by an increase in DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) 1/3a/3b and hypermethylation of the Gpx4 promoter, which were partly mediated by the transcriptional regulator/co-repressor KLF5 and NCoR. Conversely, treatment with SGI-1027, a DNMT-specific inhibitor, resulted in marked reversal of Gpx4 promoter hypermethylation and GPX4 repression, as well as improvement in ferroptotic osteolysis to a similar extent as with a ferroptosis inhibitor, liproxstatin-1. This suggests that epigenetic GPX4 repression and ferroptosis caused by the increase of DNMT1/3a/3b have a causal influence on TP-induced osteolysis. In cultured primary osteoblasts and osteoclasts, GPX4 repression and ferroptotic changes were observed primarily in osteoblasts that were alleviated by SGI-1027 in a GPX4 inactivation-sensitive manner. Furthermore, we developed a mouse strain with Gpx4 haplodeficiency in osteoblasts (Gpx4 Ob+/-) that exhibited worsened ferroptotic osteolysis in control and TP-treated calvaria and largely abolished the anti-ferroptosis and osteoprotective effects of SGI-1027. Taken together, our results demonstrate that DNMT1/3a/3b elevation, resulting GPX4 repression, and osteoblastic ferroptosis form a critical epigenetic pathway that significantly contributes to TP-induced osteolysis, and that targeting DNMT aberration and the associated osteoferroptosis could be a potential strategy to prevent or slow down prosthesis-related osteolytic complications.

The interplay of transition metals in ferroptosis and pyroptosis

Cell death is one of the most important mechanisms of maintaining homeostasis in our body. Ferroptosis and pyroptosis are forms of necrosis-like cell death. These cell death modalities play key roles in the pathophysiology of cancer, cardiovascular, neurological diseases, and other pathologies. Transition metals are abundant group of elements in all living organisms. This paper presents a summary of ferroptosis and pyroptosis pathways and their connection to significant transition metals, namely zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), uranium (U), platinum (Pt), and one crucial element, selenium (Se). Authors aim to summarize the up-to-date knowledge of this topic.In this review, there are categorized and highlighted the most common patterns in the alterations of ferroptosis and pyroptosis by transition metals. Special attention is given to zinc since collected data support its dual nature of action in both ferroptosis and pyroptosis. All findings are presented together with a brief description of major biochemical pathways involving mentioned metals and are visualized in attached comprehensive figures.This work concludes that the majority of disruptions in the studied metals' homeostasis impacts cell fate, influencing both death and survival of cells in the complex system of altered pathways. Therefore, this summary opens up the space for further research.

A critical appraisal of ferroptosis in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease: new insights into emerging mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Neurodegenerative diseases represent a pressing global health challenge, and the identification of novel mechanisms underlying their pathogenesis is of utmost importance. Ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, has emerged as a pivotal player in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. This review delves into the discovery of ferroptosis, the critical players involved, and their intricate role in the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration, with an emphasis on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. We critically appraise unsolved mechanistic links involved in the initiation and propagation of ferroptosis, such as a signaling cascade resulting in the de-repression of lipoxygenase translation and the role played by mitochondrial voltage-dependent anionic channels in iron homeostasis. Particular attention is given to the dual role of heme oxygenase in ferroptosis, which may be linked to the non-specific activity of P450 reductase in the endoplasmic reticulum. Despite the limited knowledge of ferroptosis initiation and progression in neurodegeneration, Nrf2/Bach1 target genes have emerged as crucial defenders in anti-ferroptotic pathways. The activation of Nrf2 and the inhibition of Bach1 can counteract ferroptosis and present a promising avenue for future therapeutic interventions targeting ferroptosis in neurodegenerative diseases.

Nanotechnological Approaches to Enhance the Potential of α-Lipoic Acid for Application in the Clinic

α-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring compound with potent antioxidant properties that helps protect cells and tissues from oxidative stress. Its incorporation into nanoplatforms can affect factors like bioavailability, stability, reactivity, and targeted delivery. Nanoformulations of α-lipoic acid can significantly enhance its solubility and absorption, making it more bioavailable. While α-lipoic acid can be prone to degradation in its free form, encapsulation within nanoparticles ensures its stability over time, and its release in a controlled and sustained manner to the targeted tissues and cells. In addition, α-lipoic acid can be combined with other compounds, such as other antioxidants, drugs, or nanomaterials, to create synergistic effects that enhance their overall therapeutic benefits or hinder their potential cytotoxicity. This review outlines the advantages and drawbacks associated with the use of α-lipoic acid, as well as various nanotechnological approaches employed to enhance its therapeutic effectiveness, whether alone or in combination with other bioactive agents. Furthermore, it describes the engineering of α-lipoic acid to produce poly(α-lipoic acid) nanoparticles, which hold promise as an effective drug delivery system.

From ferroptosis to cuproptosis, and calcicoptosis, to find more novel metals-mediated distinct form of regulated cell death

Regulated cell death (RCD), also known as programmed cell death (PCD), plays a critical role in various biological processes, such as tissue injury/repair, development, and homeostasis. Dysregulation of RCD pathways can lead to the development of many human diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Maintaining proper metal ion homeostasis is critical for human health. However, imbalances in metal levels within cells can result in cytotoxicity and cell death, leading to a variety of diseases and health problems. In recent years, new types of metal overload-induced cell death have been identified, including ferroptosis, cuproptosis, and calcicoptosis. This has prompted us to examine the three defined metal-dependent cell death types, and discuss other metals-induced ferroptosis, cuproptosis, and disrupted Ca2+ homeostasis, as well as the roles of Zn2+ in metals' homeostasis and related RCD. We have reviewed the connection between metals-induced RCD and various diseases, as well as the underlying mechanisms. We believe that further research in this area will lead to the discovery of novel types of metal-dependent RCD, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms, and the development of new therapeutic strategies for human diseases.

Sperm freezing damage: the role of regulated cell death

Substantial progress in research on sperm cryopreservation has occurred since the twentieth century, especially focusing on improving sperm freezing procedures and optimizing semen extenders. However, the cellular biological mechanisms of sperm freezing damage are still unclear, which greatly restricts the promotion and development of sperm cryopreservation. An essential component of sperm freezing damage is the occurrence of cell death. Considering the existence of multiple types of cell death pathways, this review discusses connections between characteristics of regulated cell death (e.g., apoptosis and ferroptosis), and accidental cell death (e.g., intracellular ice crystals) with sperm freezing damage and explores possible future research directions in this field.

Antioxidant Hydrogels: Antioxidant Mechanisms, Design Strategies, and Applications in the Treatment of Oxidative Stress-Related Diseases

Oxidative stress is a biochemical process that disrupts the redox balance due to an excess of oxidized substances within the cell. Oxidative stress is closely associated with a multitude of diseases and health issues, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory conditions, and aging. Therefore, the developing of antioxidant treatment strategies has emerged as a pivotal area of medical research. Hydrogels have garnered considerable attention due to their exceptional biocompatibility, adjustable physicochemical properties, and capabilities for drug delivery. Numerous antioxidant hydrogels have been developed and proven effective in alleviating oxidative stress. In the pursuit of more effective treatments for oxidative stress-related diseases, there is an urgent need for advanced strategies for the fabrication of multifunctional antioxidant hydrogels. Consequently, the authors' focus will be on hydrogels that possess exceptional reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species scavenging capabilities, and their role in oxidative stress therapy will be evaluated. Herein, the antioxidant mechanisms and the design strategies of antioxidant hydrogels and their applications in oxidative stress-related diseases are discussed systematically in order to provide critical insights for further advancements in the field.

Carbon quantum dots of ginsenoside Rb1 for application in a mouse model of intracerebral Hemorrhage

After intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) occurs, the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iron ion overload are the leading causes of secondary damage. Removing excess iron ions and ROS in the meningeal system can effectively alleviate the secondary damage after ICH. This study synthesized ginsenoside Rb1 carbon quantum dots (RBCQDs) using ginsenoside Rb1 and ethylenediamine via a hydrothermal method. RBCQDs exhibit potent capabilities in scavenging ABTS + free radicals and iron ions in solution. After intrathecal injection, the distribution of RBCQDs is predominantly localized in the subarachnoid space. RBCQDs can eliminate ROS and chelate iron ions within the meningeal system. Treatment with RBCQDs significantly improves blood flow in the meningeal system, effectively protecting dying neurons, improving neurological function, and providing a new therapeutic approach for the clinical treatment of ICH.

Natural product-derived ferroptosis mediators

It has been 11 years since ferroptosis, a new mode of programmed cell death, was first proposed. Natural products are an important source of drug discovery. In the past five years, natural product-derived ferroptosis regulators have been discovered in an endless stream. Herein, 178 natural products discovered so far to trigger or resist ferroptosis are classified into 6 structural classes based on skeleton type, and the mechanisms of action that have been reported are elaborated upon. If pharmacodynamic data are sufficient, the structure and bioactivity relationship is also presented. This review will provide medicinal chemists with some effective ferroptosis regulators, which will promote the research of natural product-based treatment of ferroptosis-related diseases in the future.

Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation reverses the declining quality of oocytes exposed to cyclophosphamide

Cyclophosphamide (CY) is a chemotherapeutic drug that is commonly used to treat malignancies of the ovary, breast, and hematology, as well as autoimmune disorders. As a cofactor of mitochondrial multienzyme complexes, alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is well known for its antioxidant characteristics, which operate directly on the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and indirectly on the intracellular recycling of other antioxidants. However, the underlying mechanisms through which CY exerts its toxic effects on meiosis and oocyte quality, as well as a viable approach for protecting oocyte quality and preserving fertility, remain unknown. In present study, immunostaining and fluorescence intensity quantification were applied to assess the effects of CY and ALA supplementation on the key processes during the oocyte meiotic maturation. Our results show that supplementing oocytes with ALA, a well-known antioxidant and free radical scavenger, can reverse CY-induced oocyte meiotic maturation failure. Specifically, we found that CY exposure caused oocyte meiotic failure by disrupting meiotic organelle dynamics and arrangement, as well as a prominently impaired cytoskeleton assembly. In addition, CY caused an abnormal distribution of mitochondrion and cortical granules, two indicators of oocyte cytoplasmic maturation. More importantly, we show that ALA supplementation effectively reverses CY-induced meiotic failure and oocyte quality decline by suppressing oxidative stress-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in oocytes. Collectively, our data reveal that ALA supplementation is a feasible approach to protect oocytes from CY-exposed deterioration, providing a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in chemotherapy-induced meiotic failure.

Corrosion Products from Metallic Implants Induce ROS and Cell Death in Human Motoneurons In Vitro

Due to advances in surgical procedures and the biocompatibility of materials used in total joint replacement, more and younger patients are undergoing these procedures. Although state-of-the-art joint replacements can last 20 years or longer, wear and corrosion is still a major risk for implant failure, and patients with these implants are exposed for longer to these corrosive products. It is therefore important to investigate the potential effects on the whole organism. Released nanoparticles and ions derived from commonly used metal implants consist, among others, of cobalt, nickel, and chromium. The effect of these metallic products in the process of osteolysis and aseptic implant loosening has already been studied; however, the systemic effect on other cell types, including neurons, remains elusive. To this end, we used human iPSC-derived motoneurons to investigate the effects of metal ions on human neurons. We treated human motoneurons with ion concentrations regularly found in patients, stained them with MitoSOX and propidium iodide, and analyzed them with fluorescence-assisted cell sorting (FACS). We found that upon treatment human motoneurons suffered from the formation of ROS and subsequently died. These effects were most prominent in motoneurons treated with 500 μM of cobalt or nickel, in which we observed significant cell death, whereas chromium showed fewer ROS and no apparent impairment of motoneurons. Our results show that the wear and corrosive products of metal implants at concentrations readily available in peri-implant tissues induced ROS and subsequently cell death in an iPSC-derived motoneuron cell model. We therefore conclude that monitoring of neuronal impairment is important in patients undergoing total joint replacement.

2D MoS2 Nanosheets Induce Ferroptosis by Promoting NCOA4-Dependent Ferritinophagy and Inhibiting Ferroportin

The exposure of MoS₂ nanosheets can cause cytotoxicity, which causes health risks and affects its medical applications. However, knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanisms remains limited. This study reports that MoS₂ nanosheets induces ferroptosis in vivo and in vitro, which is caused by the nanosheet themselves rather than by the dissolved ions. MoS₂ nanosheets induce ferroptosis in epithelial (BEAS-2B) and macrophage (RAW264.7) cells due to nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)-dependent excusive ferritinophagy and the inhibition of ferroportin-1 (FPN). In this process, most of the MoS₂ nanosheets enter the cells via macropinocytosis and are localized to the lysosome, contributing to an increase in the lysosomal membrane permeability. At the same time, NCOA4-dependent ferritinophagy is activated, and ferritin is degraded in the lysosome, which generates Fe²⁺ .Fe²⁺ leaks into the cytoplasm, leading to ferroptosis. Furthermore, the inhibition of FPN further aggravates the overload of Fe²⁺ in the cell. It has also been observed that ferroptosis is increased in lung tissue in mouse models exposed to MoS₂ nanosheets. This work highlights a novel mechanism by which MoS₂ nanosheets induce ferroptosis by promoting NCOA4-dependent ferritinophagy and inhibiting FPN, which could be of importance to elucidate the toxicity and identify the medical applications of 2D nanoparticles.

Assessing regulated cell death modalities as an efficient tool for in vitro nanotoxicity screening: a review

Nanomedicine is a fast-growing field of nanotechnology. One of the major obstacles for a wider use of nanomaterials for medical application is the lack of standardized toxicity screening protocols for assessing the safety of newly synthesized nanomaterials. In this review, we focus on less frequently studied nanomaterials-induced regulated cell death (RCD) modalities, including eryptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, as a tool for in vitro nanomaterials safety evaluation. We summarize the latest insights into the mechanisms that mediate these RCDs in response to nanomaterials exposure. Comprehensive data from reviewed studies suggest that ROS (reactive oxygen species) overproduction and ROS-mediated pathways play a central role in nanomaterials-induced RCDs activation. On the other hand, studies also suggest that individual properties of nanomaterials, including size, shape, or surface charge, could determine specific toxicity pathways with consequent RCD induction as well. We anticipate that the evaluation of RCDs can become one of the mechanism-based screening methods in nanotoxicology. In addition to the toxicity assessment, evaluation of necroptosis-, pyroptosis-, and ferroptosis-promoting capacity of nanomaterials could simultaneously provide useful information for specific medical applications as could be their anti-tumor potential. Moreover, a detailed understanding of molecular mechanisms driving nanomaterials-mediated induction of immunogenic RCDs will substantially aid novel anti-tumor nanodrugs development.

Die hard: cell death mechanisms and their implications in nanotoxicology

Cell death is a fundamental biological process, and its fine-tuned regulation is required for life. However, the complexity of regulated cell death is often reduced to a matter of live-dead discrimination. Here, we provide a perspective on programmed or regulated cell death, focusing on apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis (the latter three cell death modalities are examples of regulated necrosis). We also touch on other, recently described manifestations of (pathological) cell death including cuproptosis. Furthermore, we address how engineered nanomaterials impact on regulated cell death. We posit that an improved understanding of nanomaterial-induced perturbations of cell death may allow for a better prediction of the consequences of human exposure and could also yield novel approaches by which to mitigate these effects. Finally, we provide examples of the harnessing of nanomaterials to achieve cancer cell killing through the induction of regulated cell death.

Ferroptosis As a Mechanism for Health Effects of Essential Trace Elements and Potentially Toxic Trace Elements

Ferroptosis is a unique form of programmed cell death driven by iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation that was proposed in recent years. It plays an important role in processes of various trace element-related diseases and is regulated by redox homeostasis and various cellular metabolic pathways (iron, amino acids, lipids, sugars), as well as disease-related signaling pathways. Some limited pioneering studies have demonstrated ferroptosis as a mechanism for the health effects of essential trace elements and potentially toxic trace elements, with crosstalk among them. The aim of this review is to bring together research articles and identify key direct and indirect evidence regarding essential trace elements (iron, selenium, zinc, copper, chromium, manganese) and potentially toxic trace elements (arsenic, aluminum, mercury) and their possible roles in ferroptosis. Our review may help determine future research priorities and opportunities.

α-Lipoic Acid Alleviated Fluoride-Induced Hepatocyte Injury via Inhibiting Ferroptosis

Fluoride is widely used in agricultural production and food packaging. Excessive fluoride in water and food is a serious threat to liver health. α-Lipoic acid, a natural free radical scavenger, has hepatoprotective properties. However, the protective effect of α-lipoic acid on fluorohepatotoxicity is uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of ferroptosis in α-lipoic acid preventing fluoride-induced hepatotoxicity. Five-week-old ICR mice were treated with sodium fluoride (100 mg/L) and/or α-lipoic acid (200 mg/kg) for 9 weeks. The results showed that α-lipoic acid attenuated fluoride-induced damage to liver morphology and ultrastructure. Moreover, α-lipoic acid alleviated fluoride-induced iron accumulation, increased oxidative stress, and elevated lipid peroxidation in the liver. In addition, the mechanism study found that α-lipoic acid prevented fluoride-induced ferroptosis through the System Xc^-/GPX4 axis, lipid peroxidation axis, and iron metabolism axis, but it was interestingly not regulated by mitochondrial free radical axis in the hepatocytes. Altogether, this study indicated that α-lipoic acid prevents fluoride-induced liver injury by inhibiting ferroptosis, which has potential implications for the prevention and treatment of fluoride-induced liver injury.

Advances of Cobalt Nanomaterials as Anti-Infection Agents, Drug Carriers, and Immunomodulators for Potential Infectious Disease Treatment

Infectious diseases remain the most serious public health issue, which requires the development of more effective strategies for infectious control. As a kind of ultra-trace element, cobalt is essential to the metabolism of different organisms. In recent decades, nanotechnology has attracted increasing attention worldwide due to its wide application in different areas, including medicine. Based on the important biological roles of cobalt, cobalt nanomaterials have recently been widely developed for their attractive biomedical applications. With advantages such as low costs in preparation, hypotoxicity, photothermal conversion abilities, and high drug loading ability, cobalt nanomaterials have been proven to show promising potential in anticancer and anti-infection treatment. In this review, we summarize the characters of cobalt nanomaterials, followed by the advances in their biological functions and mechanisms. More importantly, we emphatically discuss the potential of cobalt nanomaterials as anti-infectious agents, drug carriers, and immunomodulators for anti-infection treatments, which might be helpful to facilitate progress in future research of anti-infection therapy.

p53 Promotes Ferroptosis in Macrophages Treated with Fe3O4 Nanoparticles

Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles are the most widely used magnetic nanoparticles in the biomedicine field. The biodistribution of most nanoparticles in vivo is determined by the capture of macrophages; however, the effects of nanoparticles on macrophages remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles could reduce macrophage viability after 48 h of treatment and induce a shift in macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype; RNA sequencing revealed the activation of the ferroptosis pathway and p53 upregulation compared to the control group. The expression in p53, xCT, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and transferrin receptor (TFR) in macrophages was similar to that in erastin-induced ferroptosis in macrophages, and the ultrastructural morphology of mitochondria was consistent with that of erastin-treated cells. We used DCFH-DA to estimate the intracellular reactive oxygen species content in Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles treated with Ana-1 and JC-1 fluorescent probes to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential change; both showed to be time-dependent. Fer-1 inhibited the reduction of the glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio and inhibited intracellular oxidative stress states; therefore, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles induced ferroptosis in macrophages. Finally, we used pifithrin-α hydrobromide (PFT) as a p53 inhibitor to verify whether the high expression of p53 is involved in mediating this process. After PFT treatment, the live/dead cell rate, TFR, p53 expression, and GPX4 consumption were inhibited and mitigated the GSH/GSSG ratio reduction as well. This indicates that p53 may contribute to Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle-induced ferroptosis of macrophages. We provide a theoretical basis for the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis in macrophages and the biotoxicity in vivo induced by Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles.

Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles inhibit ferroptosis and promote distant metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by upregulating ITGB3

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy with high metastatic and invasive nature. Distant metastasis contributes substantially to treatment failure and mortality in NPC. Platelets are versatile blood cells and the number of platelets is positively associated with the distant metastasis of tumor cells. However, the role and underlying mechanism of platelets responsible for the metastasis of NPC cells remain unclear. Here we found that the distant metastasis of NPC patients was positively correlated with the expression levels of integrin β3 (ITGB3) in platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) from NPC patients (P-EVs). We further revealed that EVs transfer occurred from platelets to NPC cells, mediating cell-cell communication and inducing the metastasis of NPC cells by upregulating ITGB3 expression. Mechanistically, P-EVs-upregulated ITGB3 increased SLC7A11 expression by enhancing protein stability and activating the MAPK/ERK/ATF4/Nrf2 axis, which suppressed ferroptosis, thereby facilitating the metastasis of NPC cells. NPC xenografts in mouse models further confirmed that P-EVs inhibited the ferroptosis of circulating NPC cells and promoted the distant metastasis of NPC cells. Thus, these findings elucidate a novel role of platelet-derived EVs in NPC metastasis, which not only improves our understanding of platelet-mediated tumor distant metastasis, but also has important implications in diagnosis and treatment of NPC.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid Attenuates Apoptosis and Ferroptosis in Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity via the Reduction of Intracellular Lipid Droplets

Alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) is a potent antioxidant that can prevent apoptosis associated with cisplatin-induced ototoxicity through ROS. Ferroptosis is defined as an iron-dependent cell death pathway that has recently been highlighted and is associated with the accumulation of intracellular lipid droplets (LDs) due to an inflammatory process. Herein, we investigated the impact of α-LA on ferroptosis and analyzed the characteristics of LDs in auditory hair cells treated with cisplatin using high-resolution 3D quantitative-phase imaging with reconstruction of the refractive index (RI) distribution. HEI-OC1 cells were treated with 500 μM α-LA for 24 h and then with 15 μM cisplatin for 48 h. With 3D optical diffraction tomography (3D-ODT), the RI values of treated cells were analyzed. Regions with high RI values were considered to be LDs and labelled to measure the count, mass, and volume of LDs. The expression of LC3-B, P62, GPX4, 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and xCT was evaluated by Western blotting. HEI-OC1 cells damaged by cisplatin showed lipid peroxidation, depletion of xCT, and abnormal accumulation of 4-HNE. Additionally, the count, mass, and volume of LDs increased in the cells. Cells treated with α-LA had inhibited expression of 4-HNE, while the expression of xCT and GPX4 was recovered, which restored LDs to a level that was similar to that in the control group. Our research on LDs with 3D-ODT offers biological evidence of ferroptosis and provides insights on additional approaches for investigating the molecular pathways.

Evaluation of the protective roles of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on nanomaterial-induced toxicity: A meta-analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies

Extensive exposure to nanomaterials causes oxidative stress and inflammation in various organs and leads to an increased risk of adverse health outcomes; therefore, how to prevent the toxic effects are of great concern to human. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, suggesting it may be effective to prevent nanomaterial-induced toxicity. However, the results obtained in individual studies remained controversial. We aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effects of ALA supplementation on nanomaterial-induced toxicity by performing a meta-analysis. Databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched up to May 2022. STATA 15.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Twelve studies were included. Meta-analysis of eight in vivo studies showed ALA supplementation could exert significant effects on nanomaterial-induced oxidative stress (by reducing MDA, ROS and increasing GSH, CAT, GPx, and SOD), inflammation (by downregulating NO, IgG, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP), apoptosis (by activation of pro-apoptotic caspase-3), DNA damage (by a reduction in the tail length) and organ damage (by a decrease in the liver biomarker ALT and increases in brain neuron biomarker AChE and heart biomarker CPK). Pooled analysis of four in vitro studies indicated ALA intervention increased cell viability, decreased ROS levels, inhibited cell apoptosis and chelated metal ions. Subgroup analyses revealed changing the levels of GSH, IL-6, and metal ions were the main protective mechanisms of ALA supplementation because they were not changed by any subgroup factors. In conclusion, ALA supplementation may represent a potential strategy for the prevention of the toxicity induced by nanomaterials.

The Protective Effect of α-Lipoic Acid against Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs)-Mediated Liver Damage Is Associated with Upregulating Nrf2 and Suppressing NF-κB

This study examined if regulating the keap-1? Nrf2 antioxidant pathway mediated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) induced liver damage, and examined the protective effect of co-supplement of α-lipoic acid (α-LA). Rats were separated into 4 groups (n = 8/each) as control, α-LA (200 mg/kg), AuNPs (5 µg/2.85 × 10¹¹), and AuNPs (5 µg/2.85 × 10¹¹) + α-LA (200 mg/kg). After 7 days, AuNPs induced severe degeneration in the livers of rats with the appearance of some fatty changes. In addition, it increased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (ɣ-GTT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as liver levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). Concomitantly, AuNPs significantly depleted hepatic levels of total glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) but increased hepatic levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). It also reduced mRNA levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) but significantly increased those of Bax and cleaved caspase-3, as well as the ratio of Bax/Bcl2. In addition, AuNPs enhanced the total and nuclear levels of NF-κB p65 but reduced the mRNA and total and nuclear protein levels of Nrf2. Of note, AuNPs did not affect the mRNA levels of keap-1. All these events were reversed by α-LA in the AuNPs-treated rats. In conclusion, α-LA attenuated AuNPs-mediated liver damage in rats by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation, effects that are associated with upregulation/activation of Nrf2.

Comprehensive Analysis of a Ferroptosis-Related lncRNA Signature for Predicting Prognosis and Immune Landscape in Osteosarcoma

Research on the implications of ferroptosis in tumors has increased rapidly in the last decades. There are evidences that ferroptosis is involved in several aspects of cancer biology, including tumor progression, metastasis, immunomodulation, and therapeutic response. Nonetheless, the interaction between ferroptosis-related lncRNAs (FRLs) and the osteosarcoma immune microenvironment is poorly understood. In this study, a risk model composed of FRLs was developed using univariate and LASSO Cox regression analyses. On the basis of this model, FRL scores were calculated to systematically explore the role of the model in predicting the prognosis and immune characteristics of osteosarcoma patients. Survival analysis showed that osteosarcoma samples with lower FRL-score had better overall survival. After predicting the abundance of immune cells in osteosarcoma microenvironment by single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and ESTIMATE analysis, we found that the FRL-score could distinguish immune function, immune score, stromal score, tumor purity, and tumor infiltration of immune cells in different osteosarcoma patients. In addition, FRL-score was also associated with immune checkpoint gene expression and half-maximal inhibitory concentration of chemotherapeutic agents. Finally, we confirmed that knockdown of RPARP-AS1 suppressed the malignant activity of osteosarcoma cells in vitro experiments. In general, the FRL-based prognostic signature could promote our understanding of the immune microenvironment characteristics of osteosarcoma and guide more effective treatment regimens.

Nonmetal Graphdiyne Nanozyme-Based Ferroptosis-Apoptosis Strategy for Colon Cancer Therapy

Ferroptosis-apoptosis, a new modality of induced cell death dependent on reactive oxygen species, has drawn tremendous attention in the field of nanomedicine. A metal-free ferroptosis-apoptosis inducer was reported based on boron and nitrogen codoped graphdiyne (BN-GDY) that possesses efficient glutathione (GSH) depletion capability and concurrently induces ferroptosis by deactivation of GSH-dependent peroxidases 4 (GPX4) and apoptosis by downregulation of Bcl2. The high catalytic activity of BN-GDY is explicated by both kinetic experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations of Gibbs free energy change during hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) decomposition. In addition, a unique sequence Bi-Bi mechanism is discovered, which is distinct from the commonly reported ping-pong Bi-Bi mechanism of most peroxidase mimics and natural enzymes. We anticipate that this nonmetal ferroptosis-apoptosis therapeutic concept by carbon-based nanomaterials would provide proof-of-concept evidence for nanocatalytic medicines in cancer therapy.

Ferroptosis as a mechanism of non-ferrous metal toxicity

Ferroptosis is a recently discovered form of regulated cell death, implicated in multiple pathologies. Given that the toxicity elicited by some metals is linked to alterations in iron metabolism and induction of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, ferroptosis might be involved in such toxicity. Although direct evidence is insufficient, certain pioneering studies have demonstrated a crosstalk between metal toxicity and ferroptosis. Specifically, the mechanisms underlying metal-induced ferroptosis include induction of ferritinophagy, increased DMT-1 and TfR cellular iron uptake, mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mitoROS) generation, inhibition of Xc-system and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity, altogether resulting in oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. In addition, there is direct evidence of the role of ferroptosis in the toxicity of arsenic, cadmium, zinc, manganese, copper, and aluminum exposure. In contrast, findings on the impact of cobalt and nickel on ferroptosis are scant and nearly lacking altogether for mercury and especially lead. Other gaps in the field include limited studies on the role of metal speciation in ferroptosis and the critical cellular targets. Although further detailed studies are required, it seems reasonable to propose even at this early stage that ferroptosis may play a significant role in metal toxicity, and its modulation may be considered as a potential therapeutic tool for the amelioration of metal toxicity.

L-F001, a Multifunctional Fasudil-Lipoic Acid Dimer Prevents RSL3-Induced Ferroptosis via Maintaining Iron Homeostasis and Inhibiting JNK in HT22 Cells

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of non-apoptotic cell death, plays important roles in cerebral ischemia. Previously we have found that L-F001, a novel fasudil-lipoic acid dimer with good pharmacokinetic characters has good neuroprotection against toxin-induced cell death in vitro and in vivo. Here, we investigated the protective effects of L-F001 against a Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inhibitor Ras-selective lethality 3 (RSL3) -induced ferroptosis in HT22 cells. We performed MTT, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Western blot, and immunofluorescence analyses to determine the protective effects of L-F001 treatment. RSL3 treatment significantly reduced HT22 cell viability and L-F001 significantly protected RSL3-induced cell death in a concentration-dependent manner and significantly attenuated Mitochondrial shrinkage observed by TEM. Meanwhile, L-F001 significantly decreased RSL3-induced ROS and lipid peroxidation levels in HT22 cells. Moreover L-F001could restore GPX4 and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM) levels, and significantly deceased Cyclooxygenase (COX-2) levels to rescue the lipid peroxidation imbalance. In addition, FerroOrange fluorescent probe and Western blot analysis revealed that L-F001 treatment decreased the total number of intracellular Fe²⁺ and restore Ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) level in RSL3-induced HT22 cells. Finally, L-F001 could reduce RSL3-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, which might be a potential drug target for LF-001. Considering that L-F001 has a good anti-ferroptosis effect, our results showed that L-F001 might be a multi-target agent for the therapy of ferroptosis-related diseases, such as cerebral ischemia.

Identification of the Ferroptosis-Related Long Non-Coding RNAs Signature to Improve the Prognosis Prediction in Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma

Papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) is one of the epithelial renal cell carcinoma (RCC) histological subtypes. Ferroptosis is a new iron-dependent form of cell death that has been seen in a variety of clinical situations. Using differentially expressed ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) from patients with pRCC in The Cancer Genome Atlas; we built a prognostic lncRNA-based signature. We discovered seven different lncRNAs that were strongly linked to the prognosis of patients with pRCC. High-risk scores were linked to a poor prognosis for pRCC, which was confirmed by the findings of Kaplan–Meier studies. In addition, the constructed lncRNA signature has a 1-year area under the curve (AUC) of 0.908, suggesting that it has a high predictive value in pRCC. In the high-risk group, Gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA) analysis identified immunological and tumor-related pathways. Furthermore, single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA) revealed significant differences in T cell functions checkpoint, antigen presenting cell (APC) co-stimulation, inflammation promoting, and para inflammation between the two groups with different risk scores. In addition, immune checkpoints like PDCD1LG2 (PD-L2), LAG3, and IDO1 were expressed differently in the two risk groups. In summary, a novel signature based on ferroptosis-related lncRNAs could be applied in predicting the prognosis of patients with pRCC.

Ferrostatin-1 alleviates cytotoxicity of cobalt nanoparticles by inhibiting ferroptosis

Cobalt is the main component of metal prostheses in hip arthroplasty. Studies have shown that metal particles mainly composed of cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) can cause systemic and local toxic reactions due to various physical and chemical factors. Therefore, elucidating the underlying mechanisms of metal prosthesis action, coupled with identification of effective detoxification drugs are imperative to minimizing postoperative complications and prolonging the service life of these clinical tools. In this study, we treated Balb/3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line with CoNPs and ferrostatin-1, then measured cell viability via the CCK-8 assay. Next, we determined levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), cobalt and iron contents, as well as glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) expression in each group. Finally, we employed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to detect changes in the ultrastructure of each group of cells. Exposure of cells to CoNPs significantly suppressed their viability, and downregulated expression of GSH, GPX4, and SLC7A11 proteins. Conversely, this treatment mediated a significant increase in ROS, MDA, cobalt, and iron levels in the cells. TEM images revealed a marked increase in density of the mitochondrial membrane of cells in the CoNPs group, while the outer membrane was broken. Notably, treatment with ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 alleviated the cytotoxic response caused by CoNPs. These findings suggest that CoNP-induced cytotoxicity may be closely related to ferroptosis, indicating that inhibition of ferroptosis is a potential therapeutic strategy for reducing CoNP toxicity.

Migration inhibition and selective cytotoxicity of cobalt hydroxide nanosheets on different cancer cell lines

5 nm-thick cobalt hydroxide nanosheets exhibited concentration-dependent selective antitumor activity and cell migration inhibition against a variety of cancer cells.

Fluorescent CQD-Doped Styrene Acrylic Emulsion Coating Film with Enhanced Optical Properties

Styrene acrylic emulsions (SAEs) have emerged as a promising material for water-based coatings. However, they are still limited by their own defects in practical applications, poor weatherability, and degradation of performance at lower or higher temperatures. Here, we introduce a facile approach to producing fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from wood processing residues and fabricating fluorescent CQD/SAE coating films via emulsion-casting. The addition of the fluorescent CQDs enhanced the optical performance of the CQD/SAE coating films. The fluorescent CQDs were prepared via a hydrothermal approach and were obtained after heating at 180 °C for 6 h at a reaction concentration of 50 mg/mL. The synthesized CQDs resulted in a high fluorescence, and the CQDs had an average size of 1.63 nm. Various concentrations of the fluorescent CQDs were doped into the SAE coating film, which improved its optical properties. We also characterized and discussed the products and then explored their optical properties. This study presents the potential of fluorescent CQD/SAE coating films for applications in anti-counterfeiting coatings, fluorescent adhesives, and papermaking.

In Sickness and in Health: The Oxygen Reactive Species and the Bone

Oxidative stress plays a central role in physiological and pathological bone conditions. Its role in signalment and control of bone cell population differentiation, activity, and fate is increasingly recognized. The possibilities of its use and manipulation with therapeutic goals are virtually unending. However, how redox balance interplays with the response to mechanical stimuli is yet to be fully understood. The present work summarizes current knowledge on these aspects, in an integrative and broad introductory perspective.

Ferroptosis as a mechanism of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia, with complex pathophysiology that is not fully understood. While β-amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangles define the pathology of the disease, the mechanism of neurodegeneration is uncertain. Ferroptosis is an iron-mediated programmed cell death mechanism characterised by phospholipid peroxidation that has been observed in clinical AD samples. This review will outline the growing molecular and clinical evidence implicating ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of AD, with implications for disease-modifying therapies.

Photothermal-Enhanced Fenton-like Catalytic Activity of Oxygen-Deficient Nanotitania for Efficient and Safe Tooth Whitening

The growing demand for charming smiles has led to the popularization of tooth bleaching procedures. Current tooth bleaching products with high-concentration hydrogen peroxide (HP, 30-40%) are effective but detrimental due to the increased risk of enamel destruction, tooth sensitivity, and gingival irritation. Herein, we reported a less-destructive and efficient tooth whitening strategy with a low-concentration HP, which was realized by the remarkably enhanced Fenton-like catalytic activity of oxygen-deficient TiO₂ (TiO_2-x). TiO_2-x nanoparticles were synthesized with a modified solid-state chemical reduction approach with NaBH₄. The Fenton-like activity of TiO_2-x was optimized by manipulating oxygen vacancy (OV) concentration and further promoted by the near-infrared (NIR)-induced photothermal effect of TiO_2-x. The TiO_2-x sample named BT45 was chosen due to the highest methylene blue (MB) adsorption ability and Fenton-like activity among acquired samples. The photothermal property of BT45 under 808 nm NIR irradiation was verified and its enhancement on Fenton-like activity was also studied. The BT45/HP + NIR group performed significantly better in tooth whitening than the HP + NIR group on various discolored teeth (stained by Orange II, tea, or rhodamine B). Excitingly, the same tooth whitening performance as the Opalescence Boost, a tooth bleaching product containing 40% HP, was obtained by a self-produced bleaching gel based on this novel system containing 12% HP. Besides, negligible enamel destruction, safe temperature range, and good cytocompatibility of TiO_2-x nanoparticles also demonstrated the safety of this tooth bleaching strategy. This work indicated that the photothermal-enhanced Fenton-like performance of the TiO_2-x-based system is highly promising in tooth bleaching application and can also be extended to other biomedical applications.

N2L, a novel lipoic acid-niacin dimer, attenuates ferroptosis and decreases lipid peroxidation in HT22 cells

Ferroptosis, a new type of programmed cell death discovered in recent years, plays an important role in many neurodegenerative diseases. N2L is a novel lipoic acid-niacin dimer regulating lipid metabolism with multifunction, including antioxidant effect. It also exerts neuroprotective effects against glutamate- or β-amyloid (Aβ) -induced cell death. Because reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an essential role in ferroptosis, we hypothesize that N2L might protect cells from ferroptosis. Here, we investigated the protective effect of N2L and the underlying mechanism(s) under RAS-selective lethality 3 (RSL3) treatment in HT22 cells. RSL3 decreased the cell viability and induced excessive accumulation of ROS in HT22 cells. N2L pretreatment effectively protected HT22 cells against lipid peroxidation. What's more, N2L recovered glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression and blocked the increase of Cyclooxygenase-2 (cox-2) and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) protein expressions. Moreover, N2L also significantly prevented Ferritin Heavy Chain 1 (FTH1) from downregulation and maintained iron homeostasis. Finally, N2L pretreatment could decrease c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) / extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) activation induced by RSL3. Taken together, our results showed that N2L could protect HT22 cells from RSL3-induced ferroptosis through decreasing lipid peroxidation and JNK/ERK activation. And N2L could be a ferroptosis inhibitor for the therapy of ferroptosis-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Assessment of Force Retention between Milled Metallic and Ceramic Telescopic Crowns with Different Taper Angles Used for Oral Rehabilitation

The present study assessed the retention forces corresponding to different telescopic systems used in removable prosthetic dentures. The telescopic systems were represented by Co–Cr alloy or zirconia-based primary crowns and Co–Cr secondary crowns. All crowns were manufactured using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing technology (CAD/CAM). Two types of reference abutment teeth (upper canine and first upper molar) were selected in order to obtain the telescopic crowns and two taper angles—of 0° and 2°—were used for the design of the crowns. A number of 120 samples of telescopic crowns were obtained and subjected to mechanical tests, following a specific protocol, on a mechanical testing equipment. The retention of the telescopic systems was evaluated for different sets of cycles (up to 360), represented by movements that simulate the intraoral insertion and disinsertion of the telescopic systems. The present study highlights that the telescopic systems in which the primary crown is made of zirconia ceramics presents more advantages than those made of Co–Cr. All telescopic systems studied, highlighted that by modifying the taper angle from 0° to 2°, the retention forces have decreased, irrespective of the materials used for the fabrication of the primary crown, suggesting that by using a taper angle of 0°, which is known to be ideal, more efficient, and reliable prosthesis can be developed. Thus, even though the ceramic–metallic telescopic system exhibited the highest retention, all telescopic crowns evaluated registered values between 2–7 N, indicating that they are suitable for clinical use.