The Protective Role of Interleukin-37 in Cardiovascular Diseases through Ferroptosis Modulation

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Immunology
• Cell Death Mechanisms

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) involve complex pathophysiology, with ferroptosis and dysregulated iron metabolism playing significant roles.
• Inflammation is a key driver in CVD, influencing ferroptosis and disease progression.
• Interleukin-37 (IL-37) emerges as a protective cytokine with anti-inflammatory and anti-ferroptotic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of interleukin-37's role in modulating ferroptosis within cardiovascular disease contexts.
• To explore IL-37's mechanisms, including its impact on macrophage ferroptosis and atherosclerosis.
• To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting IL-37 for CVD prevention and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on IL-37, ferroptosis, and cardiovascular diseases.
• Analysis of IL-37's immunoregulatory functions and its effects on ferroptosis pathways.
• Examination of preclinical data, particularly murine models of atherosclerosis.

Main Results:

• IL-37 activates the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway.
• IL-37 inhibits ferroptosis in macrophages.
• IL-37 demonstrates a protective effect against atherosclerosis progression in animal models.

Conclusions:

• Interleukin-37 exhibits significant protective effects against ferroptosis-associated cardiovascular pathology.
• Modulating IL-37 presents a promising therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular diseases.
• Further research into IL-37-targeted therapies could lead to novel treatments for conditions like atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction.