Ferroptosis as a molecular target of epigallocatechin gallate in diseases

Ferroptosis is a novel form of cell death characterised by iron overload and lipid peroxidation. It is closely associated with many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, tumours, and neurological diseases. The use of natural chemicals to modulate ferroptosis is of great concern because of the critical role ferroptosis plays in disease. The main active ingredient in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is the most abundant catechin in green tea. EGCG shows a wide range of biological and therapeutic effects in various diseases, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and cardioprotective.

The purpose of this article is to summarise the existing information on the relationship between EGCG and ferroptosis.

Articles related to EGCG and ferroptosis were searched in PubMed and Web of Science databases, and the literature was analysed.

EGCG could improve ferroptosis-related diseases and affect the development of ferroptosis by regulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, autophagy, microRNA, signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, and protein kinase D1 signalling pathways.