Aspirin triggers ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through restricting NF-κB p65-activated SLC7A11 transcription

Emodin induces ferroptosis in colorectal cancer through NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy and NF-κb pathway inactivation

Ferroptosis is a new programmed cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Targeting ferroptosis is considered a promising strategy for anti-cancer therapy. Recently, natural compound has gained increased attention for their advantage in cancer treatment, and the exploration of natural compounds as ferroptosis inducers offers a hopeful avenue for advancing cancer treatment modalities. Emodin is a natural anthraquinone derivative in many widely used Chinese medicinal herbs. In our previous study, we predicted that the anti-cancer effect of Emodin might related to ferroptosis by using RNA-seq in colorectal cancer (CRC). Thus, in this study, we aim to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying Emodin-mediated ferroptosis in CRC. Cell-based assays including CCK-8, colony formation, EdU, and Annexin V/PI staining were employed to assess Emodin's impact on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Furthermore, various techniques such as FerroOrange staining, C11-BODIPY 581/591 staining, iron, MDA, GSH detection assay and transmission electron microscopy were performed to examine the role of Emodin in ferroptosis. Additionally, specific NCOA4 knockdown cell lines were generated to elucidate the involvement of NCOA4 in Emodin-induced ferroptosis. Moreover, the effects of Emodin on ferroptosis were further confirmed through the application of inhibitors, including Ferrostatin-1, 3-MA, DFO, and PMA. As a results, Emodin inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in CRC cells. Emodin could decrease GSH content, xCT and GPX4 expression, meanwhile increasing ROS generation, MDA, and lipid peroxidation, and these effects could reverse by ferroptosis inhibitor, Ferostatin-1, iron chelator DFO, autophagy inhibitor 3-MA and NCOA4 silencing. Moreover, Emodin could inactivate NF-κb pathway, and PMA, an activator of NF-κb pathway could alleviate Emodin-induced ferroptosis in CRC cells. Xenograft mouse model also showed that Emodin suppressed tumor growth and induced ferroptosis in vivo. In conclusion, these results suggested that Emodin induced ferroptosis through NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy by inactivating NF-κb pathway in CRC cells. These findings not only identified a novel role for Emodin in ferroptosis but also indicated that Emodin may be a valuable candidate for the development of an anti-cancer agent.

Comprehensive review of perioperative factors influencing ferroptosis

The perioperative period encompasses all phases of patient care from the decision to perform surgery until full recovery. Ferroptosis, a newly identified type of regulated cell death, influences a wide array of diseases, including those affecting the prognosis and regression of surgical patients, such as ischemia-reperfusion injury and perioperative cognitive dysfunction. This review systematically examines perioperative factors impacting ferroptosis such as surgical trauma-induced stress, tissue hypoxia, anesthetics, hypothermia, and blood transfusion. By analyzing their intrinsic relationships, we aim to improve intraoperative management, enhance perioperative safety, prevent complications, and support high-quality postoperative recovery, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Cold atmospheric plasma enhances SLC7A11-mediated ferroptosis in non-small cell lung cancer by regulating PCAF mediated HOXB9 acetylation

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with high incidence and poor survival rates. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) technology has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for cancer treatment, inducing oxidative stress in malignant tissues without causing thermal damage. However, the role of CAP in regulating lung cancer cell ferroptosis remains unclear. Here, we observed that CAP effectively suppressed the growth and migration abilities of lung cancer cells, with significantly increased ferroptotic cell death, lipid peroxidation, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Mechanistically, CAP regulates SLC7A11-mediated cell ferroptosis by modulating HOXB9. SLC7A11, a potent ferroptosis suppressor, was markedly reduced by HOXB9 knockdown, while it was enhanced by overexpressing HOXB9. The luciferase and ChIP assays confirmed that HOXB9 can directly target SLC7A11 and regulate its gene transcription. Additionally, CAP enhanced the acetylation modification level of HOXB9 by promoting its interaction with acetyltransferase p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF). Acetylated HOXB9 affects its protein ubiquitination modification level, which in turn affects its protein stability. Notably, the upregulation of SLC7A11 and HOXB9 mitigated the suppressive effects of CAP on ferroptosis status, cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in lung cancer cells. Furthermore, animal models have also confirmed that CAP can inhibit the progression of lung cancer in vivo. Overall, this study highlights the significance of the downregulation of the HOXB9/SLC7A11 axis by CAP treatment in inhibiting lung cancer, offering novel insights into the potential mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of CAP for lung cancer.

Programmed cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma: mechanisms and therapeutic prospects

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver cancer, ranks as the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally. A deeper understanding of the cell death mechanisms in HCC is essential for developing more effective treatment strategies. This review explores programmed cell death (PCD) pathways involved in HCC, including apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and immunogenic cell death (ICD). These mechanisms trigger specific cell death cascades that influence the development and progression of HCC. Although multiple PCD pathways are involved in HCC, shared cellular factors suggest a possible interplay between the different forms of cell death. However, the exact roles of different cell death pathways in HCC and which cell death pathway plays a major role remain unclear. This review also highlights how disruptions in cell death pathways are related to drug resistance in cancer therapy, promoting a combined approach of cell death induction and anti-tumor treatment to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Further research is required to unravel the complex interplay between cell death modalities in HCC, which may lead to innovative therapeutic breakthroughs.

Aristolochic acids-hijacked p53 promotes liver cancer cell growth by inhibiting ferroptosis

Aristolochic acids (AAs) have been identified as a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ferroptosis is a type of regulated cell death involved in the tumor development. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which AAs enhanced the growth of HCC. By conducting bioinformatics and RNA-Seq analyses, we found that AAs were closely correlated with ferroptosis. The physical interaction between p53 and AAs in HepG2 cells was validated by bioinformatics analysis and SPR assays with the binding pocket sites containing Pro92, Arg174, Asp207, Phe212, and His214 of p53. Based on the binding pocket that interacts with AAs, we designed a mutant and performed RNA-Seq profiling. Interestingly, we found that the binding pocket was responsible for ferroptosis, GADD45A, NRF2, and SLC7A11. Functionally, the interaction disturbed the binding of p53 to the promoter of GADD45A or NRF2, attenuating the role of p53 in enhancing GADD45A and suppressing NRF2; the mutant did not exhibit the same effects. Consequently, this event down-regulated GADD45A and up-regulated NRF2, ultimately inhibiting ferroptosis, suggesting that AAs hijacked p53 to down-regulate GADD45A and up-regulate NRF2 in HepG2 cells. Thus, AAs treatment resulted in the inhibition of ferroptosis via the p53/GADD45A/NRF2/SLC7A11 axis, which led to the enhancement of tumor growth. In conclusion, AAs-hijacked p53 restrains ferroptosis through the GADD45A/NRF2/SLC7A11 axis to enhance tumor growth. Our findings provide an underlying mechanism by which AAs enhance HCC and new insights into p53 in liver cancer. Therapeutically, the oncogene NRF2 is a promising target for liver cancer.

Decoding the Role of O-GlcNAcylation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) influence protein functionality by modulating protein stability, localization, and interactions with other molecules, thereby controlling various cellular processes. Common PTMs include phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, SUMOylation, methylation, sulfation, and nitrosylation. Among these modifications, O-GlcNAcylation has been shown to play a critical role in cancer development and progression, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review outlines the role of O-GlcNAcylation in the development and progression of HCC. Moreover, we delve into the underlying mechanisms of O-GlcNAcylation in HCC and highlight compounds that target O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA) to improve treatment outcomes. Understanding the role of O-GlcNAcylation in HCC will offer insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting OGT and OGA, which could improve treatment for patients with HCC.

Versatile function of NF-ĸB in inflammation and cancer

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-ĸB) plays a crucial role in both innate and adaptive immune systems, significantly influencing various physiological processes such as cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, survival, and stemness. The function of NF-ĸB in cancer progression and response to chemotherapy has gained increasing attention. This review highlights the role of NF-ĸB in inflammation control, biological mechanisms, and therapeutic implications in cancer treatment. NF-ĸB is instrumental in altering the release of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, which are key in the regulation of carcinogenesis. Specifically, in conditions including colitis, NF-ĸB upregulation can intensify inflammation, potentially leading to the development of colorectal cancer. Its pivotal role extends to regulating the tumor microenvironment, impacting components such as macrophages, fibroblasts, T cells, and natural killer cells. This regulation influences tumorigenesis and can dampen anti-tumor immune responses. Additionally, NF-ĸB modulates cell death mechanisms, notably by inhibiting apoptosis and ferroptosis. It also has a dual role in stimulating or suppressing autophagy in various cancers. Beyond these functions, NF-ĸB plays a role in controlling cancer stem cells, fostering angiogenesis, increasing metastatic potential through EMT induction, and reducing tumor cell sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Given its oncogenic capabilities, research has focused on natural products and small molecule compounds that can suppress NF-ĸB, offering promising avenues for cancer therapy.

Causal Effects and Immune Cell Mediators of Prescription Analgesic Use and Risk of Liver Cancer and Precancerosis in European Population: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Diverse clinical observations and basic studies have been conducted to explore the implications of analgesic medications in liver diseases. However, the direct causal relationship between prescription analgesic use (PAU) and the risk of liver cancer and precancerosis remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to reveal the conceivable causal effect of PAU on liver cancer and precancerosis, with immune cells as mediating factors. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to ascertain the causality of PAU on liver cancer and precancerosis. Sensitivity analysis approaches were employed to assess the heterogeneity and pleiotropy of results. Our findings revealed a causal correlation between different PAUs and the risk of liver cancer and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Specifically, salicylic acid derivatives (SADs) and anilide medications were found to have a protective effect on liver cancer. And non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and anilide medications showed a causal impact on ALD. Finally, mediation analyses found that anilide medications influence liver cancer through different immune cell phenotypes. Our research provides new genetic evidence for the causal impact of PAU on liver cancer and precancerosis, with the mediating role of immune cells demonstrated, offering a valuable foundation for researching analgesic medications in liver cancer and precancerosis treatment.

Current Progress of Ferroptosis Study in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Ferroptosis, an emerging type of programmed cell death, is initiated by iron-dependent and excessive ROS-mediated lipid peroxidation, which eventually leads to plasma membrane rupture and cell death. Many canonical signalling pathways and biological processes are involved in ferroptosis. Furthermore, cancer cells are more susceptible to ferroptosis due to the high load of ROS and unique metabolic characteristics, including iron requirements. Recent investigations have revealed that ferroptosis plays a crucial role in the progression of tumours, especially HCC. Specifically, the induction of ferroptosis can not only inhibit the growth of hepatoma cells, thereby reversing tumorigenesis, but also improves the efficacy of immunotherapy and enhances the antitumour immune response. Therefore, triggering ferroptosis has become a new therapeutic strategy for cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of ferroptosis based on its underlying mechanism and role in HCC and provide possible therapeutic applications.

The Puzzle of Aspirin and Iron Deficiency: The Vital Missing Link of the Iron-Chelating Metabolites

Acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin is the most commonly used drug in the world and is taken daily by millions of people. There is increasing evidence that chronic administration of low-dose aspirin of about 75-100 mg/day can cause iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in the absence of major gastric bleeding; this is found in a large number of about 20% otherwise healthy elderly (>65 years) individuals. The mechanisms of the cause of IDA in this category of individuals are still largely unknown. Evidence is presented suggesting that a likely cause of IDA in this category of aspirin users is the chelation activity and increased excretion of iron caused by aspirin chelating metabolites (ACMs). It is estimated that 90% of oral aspirin is metabolized into about 70% of the ACMs salicyluric acid, salicylic acid, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid. All ACMs have a high affinity for binding iron and ability to mobilize iron from different iron pools, causing an overall net increase in iron excretion and altering iron balance. Interestingly, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid has been previously tested in iron-loaded thalassaemia patients, leading to substantial increases in iron excretion. The daily administration of low-dose aspirin for long-term periods is likely to enhance the overall iron excretion in small increments each time due to the combined iron mobilization effect of the ACM. In particular, IDA is likely to occur mainly in populations such as elderly vegetarian adults with meals low in iron content. Furthermore, IDA may be exacerbated by the combinations of ACM with other dietary components, which can prevent iron absorption and enhance iron excretion. Overall, aspirin is acting as a chelating pro-drug similar to dexrazoxane, and the ACM as combination chelation therapy. Iron balance, pharmacological, and other studies on the interaction of iron and aspirin, as well as ACM, are likely to shed more light on the mechanism of IDA. Similar mechanisms of iron chelation through ACM may also be implicated in patient improvements observed in cancer, neurodegenerative, and other disease categories when treated long-term with daily aspirin. In particular, the role of aspirin and ACM in iron metabolism and free radical pathology includes ferroptosis, and may identify other missing links in the therapeutic effects of aspirin in many more diseases. It is suggested that aspirin is the first non-chelating drug described to cause IDA through its ACM metabolites. The therapeutic, pharmacological, toxicological and other implications of aspirin are incomplete without taking into consideration the iron binding and other effects of the ACM.

Moderate mechanical stress suppresses chondrocyte ferroptosis in osteoarthritis by regulating NF-κB p65/GPX4 signaling pathway

Ferroptosis is a recently identified form of programmed cell death that plays an important role in the pathophysiological process of osteoarthritis (OA). Herein, we investigated the protective effect of moderate mechanical stress on chondrocyte ferroptosis and further revealed the internal molecular mechanism. Intra-articular injection of sodium iodoacetate (MIA) was conducted to induce the rat model of OA in vivo, meanwhile, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) was treated to chondrocytes to induce the OA cell model in vitro. The OA phenotype was analyzed by histology and microcomputed tomography, the ferroptosis was analyzed by transmission electron microscope and immunofluorescence. The expression of ferroptosis and cartilage metabolism-related factors was analyzed by immunohistochemical and Western blot. Animal experiments revealed that moderate-intensity treadmill exercise could effectively reduce chondrocyte ferroptosis and cartilage matrix degradation in MIA-induced OA rats. Cell experiments showed that 4-h cyclic tensile strain intervention could activate Nrf2 and inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway, increase the expression of Col2a1, GPX4, and SLC7A11, decrease the expression of MMP13 and P53, thereby restraining IL-1β-induced chondrocyte ferroptosis and degeneration. Inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway relieved the chondrocyte ferroptosis and degeneration. Meanwhile, overexpression of NF-κB by recombinant lentivirus reversed the positive effect of CTS on chondrocytes. Moderate mechanical stress could activate the Nrf2 antioxidant system, inhibit the NF-κB p65 signaling pathway, and inhibit chondrocyte ferroptosis and cartilage matrix degradation by regulating P53, SLC7A11, and GPX4.

Ferroptosis: Potential opportunities for natural products in cancer therapy

Cancer cells often exhibit defects in the execution of cell death, resulting in poor clinical outcomes for patients with many cancer types. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of programmed cell death characterized by intracellular iron overload and lipid peroxidation in the cell membrane. Increasing evidence suggests that ferroptosis is closely associated with a wide variety of physiological and pathological processes, particularly in cancer. Notably, various bioactive natural products have been shown to induce the initiation and execution of ferroptosis in cancer cells, thereby exerting anticancer effects. In this review, we summarize the core regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis and the multifaceted roles of ferroptosis in cancer. Importantly, we focus on natural products that regulate ferroptosis in cancer cells, such as terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, steroids, quinones, and polysaccharides. The clinical efficacy, adverse effects, and drug-drug interactions of these natural products need to be evaluated in further high-quality studies to accelerate their application in cancer treatment.

Exploring the landscape of drug resistance in gastrointestinal cancer immunotherapy: A review

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers pose a significant challenge due to high prevalence and mortality. While advancements in detection and conventional treatments have been made, prognosis often remains poor, particularly for advanced-stage cancers. Immunotherapy has emerged as a transformative approach, leveraging the body immune system against cancer, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), cancer vaccines, and adoptive cell transfer. These modalities have shown promise, achieving sustained responses and improved survival in some patients. However, their efficacy in GI cancers is less pronounced, hindered by drug resistance mechanisms that are either intrinsic or acquired over time. This review examines the latest understanding of immunotherapy in GI cancers, focusing on ICIs, cancer vaccines, and adoptive cell transfer, along with their associated outcomes and limitations. It delves into the mechanisms behind drug resistance, including alterations in immune checkpoints, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and genetic/epigenetic changes. The role of the gut microbiome is also considered as an emerging factor in resistance. To combat drug resistance, strategies such as enhancing immune response, targeting the tumor microenvironment, and modulating resistance mechanisms are explored. The review underscores the potential of ferroptosis induction as a novel approach. Looking forward, it highlights the need for personalized immunotherapies, understanding the influence of the gut microbiome, and further exploration of ferroptosis in overcoming resistance. While challenges persist, the continuous evolution in GI cancer immunotherapy research promises innovative treatments that could significantly improve patient outcomes.

Iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation: implication of ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Ferroptosis is a type of controlled cell death caused by lipid peroxidation, which results in the rupture of the cell membrane. ferroptosis has been repeatedly demonstrated over the past ten years to be a significant factor in a number of diseases. The liver is a significant iron storage organ, thus ferroptosis will have great potential in the treatment of liver diseases. Ferroptosis is particularly prevalent in HCC. In the opening section of this article, we give a general summary of the pertinent molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, and associated characteristics of ferroptosis. The primary regulating mechanisms during ferroptosis are then briefly discussed, and we conclude by summarizing the development of a number of novel therapeutic strategies used to treat HCC in recent years. Ferroptosis is a crucial strategy for the treatment of HCC and offers new perspectives on the treatment of liver cancer.

Ferroptosis Inducers as Promising Radiosensitizer Agents in Cancer Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy (RT) failure has historically been mostly attributed to radioresistance. Ferroptosis is a type of controlled cell death that depends on iron and is caused by polyunsaturated fatty acid peroxidative damage. Utilizing a ferroptosis inducer may be a successful tactic for preventing tumor growth and radiotherapy-induced cell death. A regulated form of cell death known as ferroptosis is caused by the peroxidation of phospholipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acids in an iron-dependent manner (PUFA-PLs). The ferroptosis pathway has a number of important regulators. By regulating the formation of PUFA-PLs, the important lipid metabolism enzyme ACSL4 promotes ferroptosis, whereas SLC7A11 and (glutathione peroxidase 4) GPX4 prevent ferroptosis. In addition to introducing the ferroptosis inducer chemicals that have recently been demonstrated to have a radiosensitizer effect, this review highlights the function and methods by which ferroptosis contributes to RT-induced cell death and tumor suppression in vitro and in vivo.

Multifunctional roles of inflammation and its causative factors in primary liver cancer: A literature review

Primary liver cancer is a severe and complex disease, leading to 800000 global deaths annually. Emerging evidence suggests that inflammation is one of the critical factors in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients with viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and steatohepatitis symptoms are at higher risk of developing HCC. However, not all inflammatory factors have a pathogenic function in HCC development. The current study describes the process and mechanism of hepatitis development and its progression to HCC, particularly focusing on viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and steatohepatitis. Furthermore, the roles of some essential inflammatory cytokines in HCC progression are described in addition to a summary of future research directions.

Ferroptosis: an important player in the inflammatory response in diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects millions of diabetic patients worldwide. The key to treating of DN is early diagnosis and prevention. Once the patient enters the clinical proteinuria stage, renal damage is difficult to reverse. Therefore, developing early treatment methods is critical. DN pathogenesis results from various factors, among which the immune response and inflammation play major roles. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered type of programmed cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and excessive ROS production. Recent studies have demonstrated that inflammation activation is closely related to the occurrence and development of ferroptosis. Moreover, hyperglycemia induces iron overload, lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and renal fibrosis, all of which are related to DN pathogenesis, indicating that ferroptosis plays a key role in the development of DN. Therefore, this review focuses on the regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis, and the mutual regulatory processes involved in the occurrence and development of DN and inflammation. By discussing and analyzing the relationship between ferroptosis and inflammation in the occurrence and development of DN, we can deepen our understanding of DN pathogenesis and develop new therapeutics targeting ferroptosis or inflammation-related regulatory mechanisms for patients with DN.

The mechanism of ferroptosis and its related diseases

Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cellular death characterized by the iron-mediated accumulation of lipid peroxides, provides a novel avenue for delving into the intersection of cellular metabolism, oxidative stress, and disease pathology. We have witnessed a mounting fascination with ferroptosis, attributed to its pivotal roles across diverse physiological and pathological conditions including developmental processes, metabolic dynamics, oncogenic pathways, neurodegenerative cascades, and traumatic tissue injuries. By unraveling the intricate underpinnings of the molecular machinery, pivotal contributors, intricate signaling conduits, and regulatory networks governing ferroptosis, researchers aim to bridge the gap between the intricacies of this unique mode of cellular death and its multifaceted implications for health and disease. In light of the rapidly advancing landscape of ferroptosis research, we present a comprehensive review aiming at the extensive implications of ferroptosis in the origins and progress of human diseases. This review concludes with a careful analysis of potential treatment approaches carefully designed to either inhibit or promote ferroptosis. Additionally, we have succinctly summarized the potential therapeutic targets and compounds that hold promise in targeting ferroptosis within various diseases. This pivotal facet underscores the burgeoning possibilities for manipulating ferroptosis as a therapeutic strategy. In summary, this review enriched the insights of both investigators and practitioners, while fostering an elevated comprehension of ferroptosis and its latent translational utilities. By revealing the basic processes and investigating treatment possibilities, this review provides a crucial resource for scientists and medical practitioners, aiding in a deep understanding of ferroptosis and its effects in various disease situations.

CXCL8 Promotes Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition of Endothelial Cells and Protects Cells from Erastin-Induced Ferroptosis via CXCR2-Mediated Activation of the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

CXCL8-CXCR1/CXCR2 signaling pathways might form complex crosstalk among different cell types within the ovarian tumor microenvironment, thereby modulating the behaviors of different cells. This study aimed to investigate the expression pattern of CXCL8 in the ovarian tumor microenvironment and its impact on both endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and ferroptosis of endothelial cells. The human monocytic cell line THP-1 and the human umbilical vein endothelial cell line PUMC-HUVEC-T1 were used to conduct in vitro studies. Erastin was used to induce ferroptosis. Results showed that tumor-associated macrophages are the major source of CXCL8 in the tumor microenvironment. CXCL8 treatment promoted the nucleus entrance of NF-κB p65 and p65 phosphorylation via CXCR2 in endothelial cells, suggesting activated NF-κB signaling. Via the NF-κB signaling pathway, CXCL8 enhanced TGF-β1-induced EndMT of PUMC-HUVEC-T1 cells and elevated their expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4. These trends were drastically weakened in groups with CXCR2 knockdown or SB225002 treatment. TPCA-1 reversed CXCL8-induced upregulation of SLC7A11 and GPX4. CXCL8 protected endothelial cells from erastin-induced ferroptosis. However, these protective effects were largely canceled when CXCR2 was knocked down. In summary, CXCL8 can activate the NF-κB signaling pathway in endothelial cells in a CXCR2-dependent manner. The CXCL8-CXCR2/NF-κB axis can enhance EndMT and activate SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression, protecting endothelial cells from 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.