Ferroptosis in cardiovascular disease: regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Cardiovascular Research
• Cell Death Mechanisms

Background:

• Ferroptosis, a regulated cell death pathway dependent on iron, plays a critical role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) development and progression.
• Key molecular mechanisms include lipid peroxidation, iron metabolism dysregulation, and antioxidant system involvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize current knowledge on ferroptosis in CVDs.
• To summarize the complex regulatory mechanisms and functions of ferroptosis in various cardiovascular conditions.
• To provide an overview of emerging ferroptosis-targeting therapeutic strategies for CVDs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on ferroptosis and cardiovascular diseases.
• Analysis of molecular pathways, including lipid peroxidation, iron dysregulation, and antioxidant systems.
• Examination of therapeutic approaches, including inhibitors, drug repurposing, natural compounds, and targeted delivery systems.

Main Results:

• Ferroptosis is implicated in atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, cardiac hypertrophy, and cardiomyopathies.
• Novel therapeutic strategies targeting ferroptosis are emerging, including repurposed drugs and natural compounds.
• Targeted drug delivery systems show potential for enhanced ferroptosis inhibition.

Conclusions:

• Ferroptosis is a significant contributor to the pathogenesis of diverse cardiovascular diseases.
• Targeting ferroptosis presents a novel and promising therapeutic avenue for CVD treatment.
• Further research into ferroptosis mechanisms and therapies could revolutionize cardiovascular medicine.