Targeting Ferroptosis to Treat Cardiovascular Diseases: A New Continent to Be Explored

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Cell Death Mechanisms
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are associated with cardiac and vascular cell death.
• Ferroptosis is a distinct form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation.
• Emerging evidence implicates ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of various CVDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the mechanisms regulating ferroptosis.
• To discuss the role of ferroptosis in the development of cardiovascular diseases.
• To explore ferroptosis as a potential therapeutic strategy for CVDs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent research on ferroptosis and cardiovascular diseases.
• Analysis of mechanisms controlling ferroptosis, including iron metabolism, glutamine metabolism, and lipid peroxidation.
• Examination of studies investigating therapeutic interventions targeting ferroptosis.

Main Results:

• Ferroptosis is regulated by intricate pathways involving iron, glutamine metabolism, and lipid peroxidation.
• Ferroptosis plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of conditions such as cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
• Interventions like ferroptosis inhibitors, iron chelators, and antioxidants demonstrate potential in mitigating myocardial injury by blocking ferroptosis.

Conclusions:

• Ferroptosis is a critical cellular process implicated in cardiovascular disease development.
• Targeting ferroptosis pathways represents a promising novel therapeutic avenue for treating a range of cardiovascular conditions.
• Further research into ferroptosis mechanisms and therapeutic interventions is warranted for effective CVD management.