Acrylamide induces ferroptosis in HSC-T6 cells by causing antioxidant imbalance of the XCT-GSH-GPX4 signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction

Sodium Selenite Prevents Matrine-Induced Nephrotoxicity by Suppressing Ferroptosis via the GSH-GPX4 Antioxidant System

Matrine (MT), an active ingredient derived from Sophor flavescens Ait, is used as a therapeutic agent to treat liver disease and cancer. However, the serious toxic effects of MT, including nephrotoxicity, have limited its clinical application. Here, we explored the involvement of ferroptosis in MT-induced kidney injury and evaluated the potential efficacy and underlying mechanism of sodium selenite (SS) in attenuating MT-induced nephrotoxicity. We found that MT not only disrupts renal structure in mice but also induces the death of NRK-52E cells. Additionally, MT treatment resulted in significant elevations in ferrous iron, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation levels, accompanied by decreases in glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels. SS effectively mitigated the alterations in ferroptosis-related indicators caused by MT and prevented MT-induced nephrotoxicity as effectively as Fer-1 in vivo and in vitro. SS also reversed the MT-induced reduction in GPX4, CTH and xCT protein levels. However, the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inhibitor RSL3 and knockdown of GPX4, CTH, or xCT via siRNA abolished the protective effect of SS against MT-induced nephrotoxicity, indicating that SS exhibited antiferroptotic effects via the GSH-GPX4 antioxidant system. Overall, MT-induced ferroptosis triggers nephrotoxicity, and SS is a promising therapeutic drug for alleviating MT-induced renal injury by activating the GSH-GPX4 axis.

Habitual Daily Intake of Fried Foods Raises Transgenerational Inheritance Risk of Heart Failure Through NOTCH1-Triggered Apoptosis

Consumption of fried foods is highly prevalent in the Western dietary pattern. Western diet has been unfavorably linked with high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Heart failure (HF) as a cardiovascular disease subtype is a growing global pandemic with high morbidity and mortality. However, the causal relationship between long-term fried food consumption and incident HF remains unclear. Our population-based study revealed that frequent fried food consumption is strongly associated with 15% higher risk of HF. The causal relationship may be ascribed to the dietary acrylamide exposure in fried foods. Further cross-sectional study evidenced that acrylamide exposure is associated with an increased risk of HF. Furthermore, we discover and demonstrate that chronic acrylamide exposure may induce HF in zebrafish and mice. Mechanistically, we reveal that acrylamide induces energy metabolism disturbance in heart due to the mitochondria dysfunction and metabolic remodeling. Moreover, acrylamide exposure induces myocardial apoptosis via inhibiting NOTCH1-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT signaling. In addition, acrylamide exposure could affect heart development during early life stage, and the adverse effect of acrylamide exposure is a threat for next generation via epigenetic change evoked by DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). In this study, we reveal the adverse effects and underlying mechanism of fried foods and acrylamide as a typical food processing contaminant on HF from population-based observations to experimental validation. Collectively, these results both epidemiologically and mechanistically provide strong evidence to unravel the mechanism of acrylamide-triggered HF and highlight the significance of reducing fried food consumption for lower the risk of HF.

Mechanism of apoptosis induced by the combined action of acrylamide and Elaidic acid through endoplasmic reticulum stress injury

Thermal processing of food is likely to form acrylamide (AA) and elaidic acid (EA), which are both mainly metabolized by the liver. The two substances are associated with the pathogenesis of liver disease. In the current study, we investigated the toxic effects of the combined action of AA and EA on HSC-T6 cells, and the mechanism of apoptosis exacerbated by the co-exposure. The results showed a synergistic effect of AA and EA, which exacerbated the damage and oxidative stress (OS) in HSC-T6. Meanwhile, the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) proteins, such as GRP78 and CHOP, was increased, the ERS pathway was activated, and Ca2+ in cells was increased, which exacerbated mitochondrial damage, and opened IP3R-Grp75-VDAC1 channel. Both ERS and mitochondrial damage caused the process of cell apoptosis. Inhibition of ERS by 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) significantly reversed the synergistic effects on mitochondrial damage via ERS, suggesting that AA and EA exacerbated mitochondrial damage through ERS-mediated Ca2+ overload. AA and EA synergistically damaged the function of mitochondria through exacerbating ERS and led to cell apoptosis.

Matrine induces cardiotoxicity by promoting ferroptosis through the Nrf2 antioxidant system in H9c2 cells

Matrine (MT) has shown promising efficacy in various cancers and chronic hepatitis; however, its clinical application is limited because of its side effects. Our previous studies have indicated that MT can induce severe hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The current study aimed to investigate its cardiotoxicity and potential underlying mechanisms in H9c2 cells. Our results showed that MT induced H9c2 cell death and disrupted the cellular membrane integrity. Moreover, MT decreased glutathione (GSH) and cysteine (Cys) levels, and increased Fe2+, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and MDA levels, ultimately leading to ferroptosis. Interestingly, these phenomena were alleviated by the ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1, whereas MT-induced ferroptosis was exacerbated by the ferroptosis agonist RSL3. In addition, MT significantly reduced FTH, Nrf2, xCT, GPX4, and FSP1 protein levels and inhibited the transcriptional activity of Nrf2 while increasing TFR1 protein levels. Supplementation with Nrf2 agonist (Dimethyl fumarate, DMF) or selenium (Sodium selenite, SS) and CoQ10 alleviated MT-induced cytotoxic effects in H9c2 cells. These results suggest that ferroptosis, which is mediated by an imbalance in the Nrf2 antioxidant system, is involved in MT-induced cardiac toxicity.

Protective Effect of Que Zui Tea on d-Galactose-Induced Oxidative Stress Damage in Mice via Regulating SIRT1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

Que Zui tea (QT) is an important herbal tea in the diet of the 'Yi' people, an ethnic group in China, and it has shown significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects in vitro. This study aims to explore the protective effects of the aqueous-ethanol extract (QE) taken from QT against ᴅ-galactose (ᴅ-gal)-induced oxidative stress damage in mice and its potential mechanisms. QE was identified as UHPLC-HRMS/MS for its chemical composition and possible bioactive substances. Thus, QE is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Twelve compounds were identified, the main components of which were chlorogenic acid, quinic acid, and 6'-O-caffeoylarbutin. Histopathological and biochemical analysis revealed that QE significantly alleviated brain, liver, and kidney damage in ᴅ-gal-treated mice. Moreover, QE remarkably attenuated oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to increase the expression of antioxidant indexes, including GSH, GSH-Px, CAT, SOD, and T-AOC. In addition, QE administration could inhibit the IL-1β and IL-6 levels, which suppress the inflammatory response. QE could noticeably alleviate apoptosis by inhibiting the expressions of Caspase-3 and Bax proteins in the brains, livers, and kidneys of mice. The anti-apoptosis mechanism may be related to the upregulation of the SIRT1 protein and the downregulation of the p53 protein induced by QE in the brain, liver, and kidney tissues of mice. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated that the main components of QE, 6'-O-caffeoylarbutin, chlorogenic acid, quinic acid, and robustaside A, had good binding ability with Nrf2 and SIRT1 proteins. The present study indicated that QE could alleviate ᴅ-gal-induced brain, liver and kidney damage in mice by inhibiting the oxidative stress and cell apoptosis; additionally, the potential mechanism may be associated with the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Defect engineering to tailor structure-activity relationship in biodegradable nanozymes for tumor therapy by dual-channel death strategies

Pursuing biodegradable nanozymes capable of equipping structure-activity relationship provides new perspectives for tumor-specific therapy. A rapidly degradable nanozymes can address biosecurity concerns. However, it may also reduce the functional stability required for sustaining therapeutic activity. Herein, the defect engineering strategy is employed to fabricate Pt-doping MoOx (PMO) redox nanozymes with rapidly degradable characteristics, and then the PLGA-assembled PMO (PLGA@PMO) by microfluidics chip can settle the conflict between sustaining therapeutic activity and rapid degradability. Density functional theory describes that Pt-doping enables PMO nanozymes to exhibit an excellent multienzyme-mimicking catalytic activity originating from synergistic catalysis center construction with the interaction of Pt substitution and oxygen vacancy defects. The peroxidase- (POD), oxidase- (OXD), glutathione peroxidase- (GSH-Px), and catalase- (CAT) mimicking activities can induce robust ROS output and endogenous glutathione depletion under tumor microenvironment (TME) response, thereby causing ferroptosis in tumor cells by the accumulation of lipid peroxide and inactivation of glutathione peroxidase 4. Due to the activated surface plasmon resonance effect, the PMO nanozymes can cause hyperthermia-induced apoptosis through 1064 nm laser irradiation, and augment multienzyme-mimicking catalytic activity. This work represents a potential biological application for the development of therapeutic strategy for dual-channel death via hyperthermia-augmented enzyme-mimicking nanocatalytic therapy.

Ferroptosis as a Therapeutic Target in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a cerebrovascular disorder with significant mortality and morbidity. Neural injury in SAH is mediated through a variety of pathophysiological processes. Currently available treatments are either nonspecific in targeting the basic pathophysiological mechanisms that result in neural damage in SAH, or merely focus on vasospasm. Ferroptosis is a type of programmed iron dependent cell death, which has received attention due to its possible role in neural injury in SAH. Herein, we review how intracellular iron overload mediates the production of reactive free radicals and lipid peroxidation through a variety of biochemical pathways in SAH. This in turn results in induction of ferroptosis, as well as exacerbation of vasospasm. We also discuss several therapeutic agents that have been shown to inhibit ferroptosis through targeting different steps of the process. Such agents have proven effective in ameliorating vasospasm, neural damage, and neurobehavioral outcomes in animal models of SAH. Human studies to test the safety and efficacy of intrathecal or parenteral administration of the inhibitors of ferroptosis in improving outcomes of SAH patients are warranted. There are currently a few ongoing clinical trials pursuing this therapeutic concept, the results of which will be critical to determine the value of ferroptosis as a novel therapeutic target in SAH.

Curcumin alleviates AFB1-induced nephrotoxicity in ducks: regulating mitochondrial oxidative stress, ferritinophagy, and ferroptosis

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), an extremely toxic mycotoxin that extensively contaminates feed and food worldwide, poses a major hazard to poultry and human health. Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from turmeric, has attracted great attention due to its wonderful antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, effects of curcumin on the kidneys of ducks exposed to AFB1 remain unclear. Additionally, the underlying mechanism between AFB1 and ferroptosis (based on excessive lipid peroxidation) has not been sufficiently elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms of curcumin against AFB1-induced nephrotoxicity in ducklings. The results indicated that curcumin alleviated AFB1-induced growth retardation and renal distorted structure in ducklings. Concurrently, curcumin inhibited AFB1-induced mitochondrial-mediated oxidative stress by reducing the expression levels of oxidative damage markers malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and improved the expression of mitochondria-related antioxidant enzymes and the Nrf2 pathway. Notably, curcumin attenuated iron accumulation in the kidney, inhibited ferritinophagy via the NCOA4 pathway, and balanced iron homeostasis, thereby alleviating AFB1-induced ferroptosis in the kidney. Collectively, our results suggest that curcumin alleviates AFB1-induced nephrotoxicity in ducks by inhibiting mitochondrial-mediated oxidative stress, ferritinophagy, and ferroptosis and provide new evidence for the mechanism of AFB1-induced nephrotoxicity in ducklings treated with curcumin.

Methylmercury induced ferroptosis by interference of iron homeostasis and glutathione metabolism in CTX cells

Environmental methylmercury (MeHg) exposure has gained global attention owing to its serious health hazards, especially neurotoxicity. Ferroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation and iron overload. However, the occurrence of ferroptosis and its underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated in the methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity and the role of Nrf2 in MeHg-induced ferroptosis remains unexplored. In this study, we verified that MeHg decreased cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner in the Rat Brain Astrocytes cells (CTX cells). MeHg (3.5 μmol/L) exposure induced CTX cells to undergo ferroptosis, as evidenced by glutathione (GSH) depletion, lipid peroxidation, and iron overload, which was significantly rescued by the ferroptosis-specific inhibitors Ferrostatin-1 and Deferoxamine. MeHg directly disrupted the process of GSH metabolism by downregulating of SLC7A11 and GPX4 and interfered with intracellular iron homeostasis through inhibition of iron storage and export. Simultaneously, the expression of Nrf2 was upregulated by MeHg in CTX cells. Hence, the inhibition of Nrf2 activity further downregulated the levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, FTH1, and SLC40A1, which aggravated MeHg-induced ferroptosis to a greater extent. Overall, our findings provided evidence that ferroptosis played a critical role in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity, and suppressing Nrf2 activity further exacerbated MeHg-induced ferroptosis in CTX cells.

Genipin protects against acute liver injury by abrogating ferroptosis via modification of GPX4 and ALOX15-launched lipid peroxidation in mice

It is essential to further characterize liver injury aimed at developing novel therapeutic approaches. This study investigated the mechanistic basis of genipin against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-triggered acute liver injury concerning ferroptosis, a novel discovered modality of regulated cell death. All experiments were performed using hepatotoxic models upon CCl4 exposure in mice and human hepatocytes in vitro. Immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, molecular docking, RNA-sequencing and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) were conducted. CCl4 intoxication was manifested with lipid peroxidation-dictated ferroptotic cell death, together with changes in a cascade of ferroptosis-associated events and several regulatory pathways. Both the administration of genipin and ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) significantly prevented this hepatotoxicity in response to CCl4 intoxication via upregulating GPX4 and xCT (i.e., critical regulators of ferroptosis). RNA-sequencing unraveled that arachidonic acid metabolism was considerably influenced upon genipin treatment. Accordingly, genipin treatment attenuated arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15)-launched lipid peroxidation in terms of UHPLC-MS/MS analysis and inflammation. In vitro, genipin supplementation rescued erastin-induced hepatocellular inviability and lipid ROS accumulation. The siRNA knockdown of GPX4 partially abrogated the protective effects of genipin on erastin-induced cytotoxicity, whereas the cytotoxicity was less severe in the presence of diminished ALOX15 expression in L-O2 cells. In conclusion, our findings uncovered that genipin treatment protects against CCl4-triggered acute liver injury by abrogating hepatocyte ferroptosis, wherein the pharmacological modification of dysregulated GPX4 and ALOX15-launched lipid peroxidation was responsible for underlying medicinal effects as molecular basis.

Recent progress in the effect of ferroptosis of HSCs on the development of liver fibrosis

Fibrosis is a common pathological process that must take place for multiple chronic liver diseases to develop into cirrhosis and liver cancer. Liver fibrosis (LF) is regulated by various cytokines and signaling pathways in its occurrence and development. Ferroptosis is an important mode of cell death caused by iron-dependent oxidative damage and is regulated by iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation signaling pathways. In recent years, numerous studies have shown that ferroptosis is closely related to LF. As the main material secreted by the extracellular matrix, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are a general concern in the development of LF. Therefore, targeting HSC ferroptosis against LF is crucial. This review describes the current status of treating LF by inducing HSC ferroptosis that would aid studies in better understanding the current knowledge on ferroptosis in HSCs and the future research direction in this field.

Astaxanthin ameliorates oxidative stress in lens epithelial cells by regulating GPX4 and ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death closely associated with oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction and is characterised by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid species and iron overload. Damage to human lens epithelial cells (LECs) is associated with age-related cataract progression. Astaxanthin (ATX), a carotenoid with natural antioxidant properties, counteracts ferroptosis in the treatment of various degenerative diseases. However, this mechanism has not been reported with respect to cataract treatment. In this study, the differential expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in the lens of young and aged mice were analysed. Continuous ATX supplementation for 8 months upregulated GPX4 expression in the mouse LECs and delayed the progression of ferroptosis. Upon treatment with erastin, ROS and malondialdehyde accumulated and the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased. At the same time, the expressions of GPX4, SLC7A11, and ferritin were suppressed in human LECs. All of these phenomena were partially reversed by ATX and Fer-1, a ferroptosis inhibitor. This study confirmed that the ATX-mediated targeting of GPX4 might alleviate human LECs damage by inhibiting ferroptosis and ameliorating oxidative stress and that this could represent a promising therapeutic approach for age-related cataract.

Paeonol improves angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy by suppressing ferroptosis

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of paeonol (pae) on an angiotensin II (AngII)-induced cardiac hypertrophy mouse model. First, AngII mouse models were constructed and randomly grouped into the control (con), AngII, and AngII + Pae groups. Compared with that in the blank group, the surface area of myocardial cells in the AngII group increased significantly. In contrast to that in the AngII group, the cardiomyocyte surface area in the Pae group was significantly reduced. Ultrasound results showed that the myocardial function of mice in the AngII group was decreased compared with that in the Con group, while the myocardial function of mice in the Pae treatment was significantly improved. Moreover, the Fe2+ and lipid peroxide levels of primary cardiomyocytes were significantly increased after treatment with AngII and were significantly decreased after the addition of Pae. Compared with those in the Con group, cristae were reduced and the outer membrane was lost in the myocardial tissues of the AngII group, and myocardial MDA, ROS, and Fe2+ levels were increased. However, myocardial damage was significantly alleviated after Pae treatment, and myocardial MDA, ROS, and Fe2+ levels were reduced. Moreover, in myocardial tissue, AngII reduced the protein levels of xCT and GPX4, while the levels of both xCT and GPX4 were increased after Pae treatment. In conclusion, Pae protected the hearts of AngII mice by upregulating the protein expression of xCT and GPX4 and resisting AngII-induced ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes.

Environmental toxin chlorpyrifos induces liver injury by activating P53-mediated ferroptosis via GSDMD-mtROS

AIM

We investigate the mechanism whereby chlorpyrifos (CHI), an environmental toxin, causes liver injury by inducing ferroptosis in hepatocytes.

METHODS

The toxic dose (LD50 = 50 μM) of CHI for inducing AML12 injury in normal mouse hepatocytes was determined, and the ferroptosis-related indices were measured, including the levels of SOD, MDA and GSH-Px, as well as the cellular content of iron ions. JC-1 and DCFH-DA assays were employed to detect the mtROS levels, the levels of mitochondrial proteins (GSDMD, NT-GSDMD), as well as the cellular levels of ferroptosis-related proteins (P53, GPX4, MDM2, SLC7A11). We knocked out the GSDMD and P53 in AML12 and observed the CHI-induced ferroptosis of ALM12 after applying YGC063, an ROS inhibitor. In animal experiments, we explored the effect of CHI on liver injury by using conditional GSDMD-knockout mice (C57BL/6 N-GSDMD^em1(flox)Cya) and ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1. Small molecule-protein docking and Pull-down assay were employed to verify the association between CHI and GSDMD.

RESULTS

We found that CHI could induce ferroptosis of AML12. CHI promoted the cleavage of GSDMD, leading to upregulation of mitochondrial NT-GSDMD expression, as well as ROS levels. P53 activation promoted the ferroptosis. Knock out of GSDMD and P53 could inhibit the CHI-induced ferroptosis, and YGC063 could also inhibit ferroptosis. In mice experiments, GSDMD knockout or Fer-1 intervention could significantly inhibit the CHI-induced liver injury. CHI promoted the cleavage of GSDMD by binding to its SER234 site.

CONCLUSION

CHI can bind to GSDMD to promote its cleavage, while NT-GSDMD can open mitochondrial membrane to promote the mtROS release. Cytoplasmic upregulation of ROS levels can facilitate the P53-mediated ferroptosis. GSDMD-mtROS is the primary mechanism whereby CHI induces ferroptosis in hepatocytes.

Quercetin Alleviates Acrylamide-Induced Liver Injury by Inhibiting Autophagy-Dependent Ferroptosis

Acrylamide (ACR) generated in carbohydrate-rich foods during thermal processing has been demonstrated to exhibit hepatotoxicity. As one of the most consumed flavonoids with diet, quercetin (QCT) possesses the ability to protect against ACR-induced toxicity, albeit its mechanism is unclear. Herein, we discovered that QCT alleviated ACR-induced elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), AST, and ALT in mice. RNA-seq analysis revealed that QCT reversed the ferroptosis signaling pathway upregulated by ACR. Subsequently, experiments indicated that QCT inhibited ACR-induced ferroptosis through the reduction of oxidative stress. With autophagy inhibitor chloroquine, we further confirmed that QCT suppressed ACR-induced ferroptosis by inhibiting oxidative stress-driven autophagy. Additionally, QCT specifically reacted with autophagic cargo receptor NCOA4, blocked the degradation of iron storage protein FTH1, and eventually downregulated the intracellular iron levels and the consequent ferroptosis. Collectively, our results presented a unique approach to alleviate ACR-induced liver injury by targeting ferroptosis with QCT.

Production and Inhibition of Acrylamide during Coffee Processing: A Literature Review

Coffee is the third-largest beverage with wide-scale production. It is consumed by a large number of people worldwide. However, acrylamide (AA) is produced during coffee processing, which seriously affects its quality and safety. Coffee beans are rich in asparagine and carbohydrates, which are precursors of the Maillard reaction and AA. AA produced during coffee processing increases the risk of damage to the nervous system, immune system, and genetic makeup of humans. Here, we briefly introduce the formation and harmful effects of AA during coffee processing, with a focus on the research progress of technologies to control or reduce AA generation at different processing stages. Our study aims to provide different strategies for inhibiting AA formation during coffee processing and investigate related inhibition mechanisms.

Dissecting the potential role of ferroptosis in liver diseases: an updated review

Ferroptosis is a novel form of cell death, manifested by iron-dependent, non-apoptotic manner resulting from the intracellular accumulation of large clusters of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxides due to abnormal iron metabolism. Since the liver is the main organ of human body for storing iron, it is essential to perform in-depth investigation on the role and mechanistic basis of ferroptosis in the context of divergent liver diseases. We previously summarized the emerging role of ferroptosis among various liver diseases, however, the past few years have been a surge in research establishing ferroptosis as the molecular basis or treatment option. This review article concentrated on the accumulating research progress of ferroptosis in a range of liver diseases such as acute liver injury/failure (ALI/ALF), immune-mediated hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis. Ferroptosis may be a promising target for the prevention and treatment of various liver diseases, providing a strategy for exploring new therapeutic avenues for these entities.

Ferrostatin-1 mitigates ionizing radiation-induced intestinal injuries by inhibiting apoptosis and ferroptosis: an in vitro and in vivo study

PURPOSE

Intestinal injuries caused by ionizing radiation (IR) are a major complication of radiotherapy. Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the influence of Fer-1 on IR-induced intestinal damage and explored the possible mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

IEC-6 cells were administrated with Fer-1 for 30 min and subsequently subjected to 9.0 Gy-irradiation. Flow cytometry, qPCR, and WB were used to detect changes. For in vivo experiments, Fer-1 was given intraperitoneally to mice at 1 h before and 24 h after 9.0 Gy total body irradiation (TBI) respectively. Three days after TBI, the small intestines were isolated for analysis. The diversity and composition of the gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

RESULTS

In vitro, Fer-1 protected IEC-6 cells from IR injury by reducing the production of ROS and inhibiting both ferroptosis and apoptosis. In vivo, Fer-1 enhanced the survival rates of mice subjected to lethal doses of IR and restored intestinal structure and physiological function. Further investigation showed that Fer-1 protected IEC-6 cells and mice by inhibiting the p53-mediated apoptosis signaling pathway and restoring the gut-microbe balance.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that Fer-1 protects intestinal injuries through suppressing apoptosis and ferroptosis.

The advancements in targets for ferroptosis in liver diseases

Ferroptosis is a type of regulated cell death caused by iron overload and lipid peroxidation, and its core is an imbalance of redox reactions. Recent studies showed that ferroptosis played a dual role in liver diseases, that was, as a therapeutic target and a pathogenic factor. Therefore, herein, we summarized the role of ferroptosis in liver diseases, reviewed the part of available targets, such as drugs, small molecules, and nanomaterials, that acted on ferroptosis in liver diseases, and discussed the current challenges and prospects.

Review of ferroptosis in colorectal cancer: Friends or foes?

Ferroptosis is a newly discovered type of cell-regulated death. It is characterized by the accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and can be distinguished from other forms of cell-regulated death by different morphology, biochemistry, and genetics. Recently, studies have shown that ferroptosis is associated with a variety of diseases, including liver, kidney and neurological diseases, as well as cancer. Ferroptosis has been shown to be associated with colorectal epithelial disorders, which can lead to cancerous changes in the gut. However, the potential role of ferroptosis in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC) is still controversial. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of ferroptosis in CRC, this article systematically reviews ferroptosis, and its cellular functions in CRC, for furthering the understanding of the pathogenesis of CRC to aid clinical treatment.

Elucidating the progress and impact of ferroptosis in hemorrhagic stroke

Hemorrhagic stroke is a devastating cerebrovascular disease with high morbidity and mortality, for which effective therapies are currently unavailable. Based on different bleeding sites, hemorrhagic stroke can be generally divided into intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), whose pathogenesis share some similarity. Ferroptosis is a recently defined programmed cell deaths (PCDs), which is a critical supplement to the hypothesis on the mechanism of nervous system injury after hemorrhagic stroke. Ferroptosis is characterized by distinctive morphological changes of mitochondria and iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxides. Moreover, scientists have successfully demonstrated the involvement of ferroptosis in animal models of ICH and SAH, indicating that ferroptosis is a promising target for hemorrhagic stroke therapy. However, the studies on ferroptosis still faces a serious of technical and theoretical challenges. This review systematically elaborates the role of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of hemorrhagic stroke and puts forward some opinions on the dilemma of ferroptosis research.

Acrylamide induced hepatotoxicity through oxidative stress: Mechanisms and interventions

SIGNIFICANCE

Acrylamide (AA) widely exists in the environment. Studies have demonstrated that AA has neurotoxicity and potential carcinogenicity in humans, and genotoxicity and severe hepatotoxicity in animals. As the critical metabolism organ for AA, the liver is the primary attacking target of AA. This review summarizes the recent advances in hepatotoxicity mechanism through AA-induced oxidative stress in rodent livers and hepatic cell lines, this is beneficial to assess risks of AA exposure and explore effective intervention methods for AA hepatotoxicity.

RECENT ADVANCES

Accumulating evidences have indicated that AA-induced oxidative stress is responsible for its hepatotoxicity. The changes in homological and biochemical indexes such as activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes have been elucidated with the occurrence and development of oxidative stress. Also, the molecular mechanisms underlying AA-induced hepatotoxicity through oxidative stress have been mainly explained by apoptosis, inflammatory and autophagic pathways.

CRITICAL ISSUES

This review is focusing on the molecular mechanism of hepatotoxicity through AA-induced oxidative stress, this can provide a theoretical basis for the assessment of AA-induced health risk and finding potential intervention targets.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Epigenetic modifications like miRNAs and modulation of the gut microbiome involved in AA toxification pathway must be investigated, and will provide novel insights to unravel the toxification mechanism and intervention strategy for AA hepatotoxicity.