Natural compounds efficacy in complicated diabetes: A new twist impacting ferroptosis

Tingting Bao1, Xiangyuan Zhang1, Weinan Xie1

  • 1Institute of Metabolic Diseases, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No.5 BeiXianGe Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100053, China; Graduate school, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China.

Insights

Ferroptosis, a cell death process, is implicated in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Natural compounds show promise in inhibiting ferroptosis, offering new therapeutic avenues for T2DM and its complications.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Ferroptosis, a regulated cell death pathway, plays a role in physiological and pathological processes.
  • Emerging evidence links ferroptosis to impaired insulin secretion and target organ damage in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the therapeutic potential of natural compounds as ferroptosis inhibitors for T2DM.
  • To identify natural compounds that can regulate ferroptosis in T2DM and its complications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on ferroptosis, T2DM, and natural bioactive compounds.
  • Analysis of the role of natural compounds in modulating ferroptosis pathways relevant to T2DM.

Main Results:

  • Natural compounds, sourced from plants, foods, and drugs, exhibit significant biological activities and low toxicity.
  • Many natural compounds demonstrate a capacity to regulate ferroptosis, suggesting their therapeutic utility in T2DM.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting ferroptosis with natural compounds presents a promising strategy for T2DM treatment.
  • Natural phytochemicals can serve as lead compounds for developing novel T2DM therapeutics that intervene in ferroptosis.

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