Mechanism of Ferroptosis and Its Role in Disease Development

Ferroptosis is a type of cell death that differs from general forms of cell death such as apoptosis. Iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation are distinct biochemical features of ferroptosis. Accumulation of iron ions in ferrodead cells can increase the probability of the Fenton reaction and produce more reactive oxygen species (ROS). Further, iron ions are cofactors for some intracellular oxidases. ROS, which are normally produced in the mitochondria, attack the phospholipid bilayer of the cell and produce lipid peroxides that ultimately kill the cell. Since the discovery of ferroptosis, its mechanism and relationship with diseases, such as nervous system diseases, tumors, and sepsis has been studied. Controlling disease development by regulating ferroptosis has thus become a popular topic of current research. This article summarizes the recent research progress on the mechanism of ferroptosis and its relationship with diseases. Overall, this study can provide a valuable reference for future ferroptosis studies.