Oxidative stress and hepcidin expression in pediatric sickle cell anemia with iron overload

Therapeutic potential of synthetic and natural iron chelators against ferroptosis

Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death, is characterized by iron accumulation that results in the production of reactive oxygen species. This further causes lipid peroxidation and damage to the cellular components, eventually culminating into oxidative stress. Recent studies have highlighted the pivotal role of ferroptosis in the pathophysiological development and progression of various diseases such as β-thalassemia, hemochromatosis, and neurodegenerative disorders like AD and PD. Extensive efforts are in progress to understand the molecular mechanisms governing the role of ferroptosis in these conditions, and chelation therapy stands out as a potential approach to mitigate ferroptosis and its related implications in their development. There are currently both synthetic and natural iron chelators that are being researched for their potential as ferroptosis inhibitors. While synthetic chelators are relatively well-established and studied, their short plasma half-life and toxic side effects necessitate the exploration and identification of natural products that can act as efficient and safe iron chelators. In this review, we comprehensively discuss both synthetic and natural iron chelators as potential therapeutic strategies against ferroptosis-induced pathologies.

Ferroptosis as an emerging target in sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hemoglobin disorder marked by red blood cell sickling, resulting in severe anemia, painful episodes, extensive organ damage, and shortened life expectancy. In SCD, increased iron levels can trigger ferroptosis, a specific type of cell death characterized by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxide accumulation, leading to damage and organ impairments. The intricate interplay between iron, ferroptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in SCD underscores the necessity of thoroughly understanding these processes for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. This review highlights the importance of balancing the complex interactions among various factors and exploitation of the knowledge in developing novel therapeutics for this devastating disease.

Comparative antisickling and antioxidant activities of Pseudobombax ellipticum cultivars in relation to their metabolite profiling using LC/MS

Pseudobombax ellipticum is native to South America and is cultivated worldwide mostly for its medicinal benefits. The plant is used traditionally in respiratory disorders such as dry cough, in the treatment of fever and stomach pain, and as an antimicrobial and analgesic. The antisickling and antioxidant effects of the flowers of P. ellipticum (Kunth) Dugand (red) and P. ellipticum cultivar alba (white) were compared using an in vitro assay in 2% sodium metabisulfite sickling induction model, DPPH, and metal chelation assays. Both red and white flowers exhibited antioxidant and antisickling activities. In DPPH assay, lower IC₅₀ (34.89 ± 0.98 and 53.28 ± 1.14 μg mL^-1) in red and white flowers respectively were detected relative to Trolox as a positive control (56.82 ± 0.87 μg mL^-1). Comparable metal chelation activity (81.4 and 77.8 μM EDTA equivalent/mg) was detected in red and white flowers of both cultivars respectively. The average readings of the "reversal of sickling test "revealed a decrease in sickling percent from 49% to 15% in red flowers and to 18% in white flowers. Also, polymerization inhibition rate was increased from 0.34 to 1 and to 0.92 in red and white flowers respectively. Total phenolics, flavonoids and anthocyanins were quantified in red and white flowers as (163.9, 43.13 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract), (71.92, 34.5 mg rutin equivalent/g extract) and (127.0, 85.9 mg pelargonidine-3-mono glucoside equivalent/kg extract), respectively. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis was further employed for detection and identification of anthocyanins in flower extracts. Eight new anthocyanins were identified for the first time in genus Pseudobombax. These results reveal the potential role for both red and white flower extracts as possible antisickling agents in sickle cell anemia management.