Iron overload accelerated lipid metabolism disorder and liver injury in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Unveiling the role of ferroptosis in the progression from NAFLD to NASH: recent advances in mechanistic understanding

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent and significant global public health issue. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) represents an advanced stage of NAFLD in terms of pathology. However, the intricate mechanisms underlying the progression from NAFLD to NASH remain elusive. Ferroptosis, characterized by iron-dependent cell death and distinguished from other forms of cell death based on morphological, biochemical, and genetic criteria, has emerged as a potential participant with a pivotal role in driving NAFLD progression. Nevertheless, its precise mechanism remains poorly elucidated. In this review article, we comprehensively summarize the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH and ferroptosis while highlighting recent advances in understanding the mechanistic involvement of ferroptosis in NAFLD/NASH.

The Impact of the Combined Effect of Inhalation Anesthetics and Iron Dextran on Rats' Systemic Toxicity

Disruption of any stage of iron homeostasis, including uptake, utilization, efflux, and storage, can cause progressive damage to peripheral organs. The health hazards associated with occupational exposure to inhalation anesthetics (IA) in combination with chronic iron overload are not well documented. This study aimed to investigate changes in the concentration of essential metals in the peripheral organs of rats after iron overload in combination with IA. The aim was also to determine how iron overload in combination with IA affects tissue metal homeostasis, hepcidin-ferritin levels, and MMP levels according to physiological, functional, and tissue features. According to the obtained results, iron accumulation was most pronounced in the liver (19×), spleen (6.7×), lungs (3.1×), and kidneys (2.5×) compared to control. Iron accumulation is associated with elevated heavy metal levels and impaired essential metal concentrations due to oxidative stress (OS). Notably, the use of IA increases the iron overload toxicity, especially after Isoflurane exposure. The results show that the regulation of iron homeostasis is based on the interaction of hepcidin, ferritin, and other proteins regulated by inflammation, OS, free iron levels, erythropoiesis, and hypoxia. Long-term exposure to IA and iron leads to the development of numerous adaptation mechanisms in response to toxicity, OS, and inflammation. These adaptive mechanisms of iron regulation lead to the inhibition of MMP activity and reduction of oxidative stress, protecting the organism from possible damage.

Iron metabolism and ferroptosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: what is our next step?

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease with increasing prevalence worldwide. NAFLD could develop from simple hepatic steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), NASH-related fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the mechanism of NAFLD development has not yet been fully defined. Recently, emerging evidence shows that the dysregulated iron metabolism marked by elevated serum ferritin, and ferroptosis are involved in the NAFLD. Understanding iron metabolism and ferroptosis can shed light on the mechanisms of NAFLD development. Here, we summarized studies on iron metabolism and the ferroptosis process involved in NAFLD development to highlight potential medications and therapies for treating NAFLD.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells protect against ferroptosis in acute liver failure through the IGF1-hepcidin-FPN1 axis and inhibiting iron loading

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a significant global issue with elevated morbidity and mortality rates. There is an urgent and pressing need for secure and effective treatments. Ferroptosis, a novel iron-dependent regulation of cell death, plays a significant role in multiple pathological processes associated with liver diseases, including ALF. Several studies have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have promising therapeutic potential in the treatment of ALF. This study aims to investigate the positive effects of MSCs against ferroptosis in an ALF model and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of their therapeutic function. Our results show that intravenously injected MSCs protect against ferroptosis in ALF mouse models. MSCs decrease iron deposition in the liver of ALF mice by downregulating hepcidin level and upregulating FPN1 level. MSCs labelled with Dil are mainly observed in the hepatic sinusoid and exhibit colocalization with the macrophage marker CD11b fluorescence. ELISA demonstrates a high level of IGF1 in the CCL 4+MSC group. Suppressing the IGF1 effect by the PPP blocks the therapeutic effect of MSCs against ferroptosis in ALF mice. Furthermore, disruption of IGF1 function results in iron deposition in the liver tissue due to impaired inhibitory effects of MSCs on hepcidin level. Our findings suggest that MSCs alleviate ferroptosis induced by disorders of iron metabolism in ALF mice by elevating IGF1 level. Moreover, MSCs are identified as a promising cell source for ferroptosis treatment in ALF mice.

Rosmarinic Acid Liposomes Downregulate Hepcidin Expression via BMP6-SMAD1/5/8 Pathway in Mice with Iron Overload

The objective of this study is to examine the potential protective effect of rosmarinic acid (RosA) encapsulated within nanoliposomes (RosA-LIP) on hepatic damage induced by iron overload. The characteristics, stability, and release of RosA-LIP in vitro were identified. The mice were randomly assigned to five groups: Control, Model, Model+DFO (DFO), Model+RosA (RosA), and Model+RosA-LIP (RosA-LIP). The iron overload model was induced by administering iron dextran (i.p.). The DFO, RosA, and RosA-LIP groups received iron dextran and were subsequently treated with DFO, RosA, and RosA-LIP for 14 days. We developed a novel formulation of RosA-LIP that exhibited stability and controlled release properties. Firstly, RosA-LIP improved liver function and ameliorated pathological changes in a mouse model of iron overload. Secondly, RosA-LIP demonstrated the ability to enhance the activities of T-SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT, while reducing the levels of MDA and 4-HNE, thereby effectively mitigating oxidative stress damage induced by iron overload. Thirdly, RosA-LIP reduced hepatic iron levels by downregulating FTL, FTH, and TfR1 levels. Additionally, RosA-LIP exerted a suppressive effect on hepcidin expression through the BMP6-SMAD1/5/8 signaling pathway. Furthermore, RosA-LIP upregulated FPN1 expression in both the liver and duodenum, thereby alleviating iron accumulation in these organs in mice with iron overload. Notably, RosA exhibited a comparable iron chelation effect, and RosA-LIP demonstrated superior efficacy in mitigating liver damage induced by excessive iron overload. RosA-LIP exhibited favorable sustained release properties, targeted delivery, and efficient protection against iron overload-induced liver damage. A schematic representation of the proposed protective mechanism of rosmarinic acid liposome during iron overload. Once RosA-LIP is transported into cells, RosA is released. On the one hand, RosA attenuates the BMP6-SMAD1/5/8-SMAD4 signaling pathway activation, leading to inhibiting hepcidin transcription. Then, the declined hepcidin contacted the inhibitory effect of FPN1 in hepatocytes and duodenum, increasing iron mobilization. On the other hand, RosA inhibits TfR1 and ferritin expression, which decreases excessive iron and oxidative damage.

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.