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COVID-19-Related Brain Injury: The Potential Role of Ferroptosis
Ruoyu Zhang1, Chen Sun1, Xuemei Chen1
1Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused devastating loss of life and a healthcare crisis worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 is the causative pathogen of COVID-19 and is transmitted mainly through the respiratory tract, where the virus infects host cells by binding to the ACE2 receptor. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with acute pneumonia, but neuropsychiatric symptoms and different brain injuries are also present. The possible routes by which SARS-CoV-2 invades the brain are unclear, as are the mechanisms underlying brain injuries with the resultant neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with COVID-19. Ferroptosis is a unique iron-dependent form of non-apoptotic cell death, characterized by lipid peroxidation with high levels of glutathione consumption. Ferroptosis plays a primary role in various acute and chronic brain diseases, but to date, ferroptosis in COVID-19-related brain injuries has not been explored. This review discusses the mechanisms of ferroptosis and recent evidence suggesting a potential pathogenic role for ferroptosis in COVID-19-related brain injury. Furthermore, the possible routes through which SARS-CoV-2 could invade the brain are also discussed. Discoveries in these areas will open possibilities for treatment strategies to prevent or reduce brain-related complications of COVID-19.
Insights
COVID-19 brain injuries may stem from ferroptosis, a cell death pathway involving iron and lipid peroxidation. Understanding this mechanism could lead to new treatments for neurological complications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has led to global health crises.
- SARS-CoV-2 infection primarily affects the respiratory tract but is linked to neurological and psychiatric symptoms.
- Mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-induced brain injury and associated neuropsychiatric symptoms remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential role of ferroptosis in COVID-19-related brain injuries.
- To discuss the mechanisms of ferroptosis and its relevance to neurological damage.
- To review possible routes of SARS-CoV-2 brain invasion.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ferroptosis mechanisms.
- Analysis of existing evidence on COVID-19 and brain injury.
- Discussion of SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion pathways.
Main Results:
- Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death, is characterized by lipid peroxidation and glutathione depletion.
- Ferroptosis is implicated in various acute and chronic brain diseases.
- The role of ferroptosis in COVID-19-related brain injury has not been previously explored.
Conclusions:
- Ferroptosis may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of brain injuries associated with COVID-19.
- Further research into ferroptosis and neuroinvasion routes could reveal novel therapeutic strategies.
- Targeting ferroptosis could offer a way to mitigate or prevent neurological complications of COVID-19.
