Refining the Rab7-V1G1 axis to mitigate iron deposition: Protective effects of quercetin in alcoholic liver disease

Iron overload is a common feature of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and contributes significantly to disease progression. Quercetin, a flavonoid known for its iron-chelating properties, has emerged as a potential protective compound against ALD. However, research on quercetin's regulatory effects on iron levels in ALD is limited. To address this, we conducted a study using male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a Lieber De Carli liquid diet containing ethanol (28% energy replacement) with or without quercetin supplementation (100 mg/kg.BW) for 12 weeks. Additionally, HepG2 cells, after transfection with the CYP2E1 plasmid, were incubated with ethanol and/or quercetin. Our findings revealed that ethanol consumption led to iron overload in both hepatocytes and lysosomes. Interestingly, despite the increase in iron levels, cells exhibited impaired iron utilization, disrupting normal iron metabolism. Further analysis identified a potential mechanism involving the Rab7-V1G1 (V-ATPase subunit) axis. Inhibition of V-ATPase by Concanamycin A caused elevated ROS levels, impaired lysosomal and mitochondria function, and increased expression of HIF1α and IRP2. Ultimately, this disruption in cellular processes led to iron overload and mitochondrial iron deficiency. Quercetin supplementation mitigated ethanol-induced hepatocyte damage by reversing iron overload through modulation of the Rab7-V1G1 axis and improving the interaction between lysosomes and mitochondria. In conclusion, this study elucidates a novel pathophysiological mechanism by which quercetin protects against ALD through its regulation of iron homeostasis.