Ferroptosis in depression: mechanisms, association, and therapeutic strategies

Depression is a highly disabling mental disorder, and the existing treatments have limitations. The development of new drugs is urgently needed. Ferroptosis, as a regulated form of cell death mediated by iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation, is closely related to the pathological process of depression. In patients with depression and depression models, there are phenomena such as iron metabolism disorders, enhanced lipid peroxidation, and downregulation of anti-ferroptotic molecules like GPX4, etc. These processes involve the GPX4-GSH system, mitochondrial function, autophagy, etc., in the occurrence of the disease. Antioxidants targeting ferroptosis, iron chelators, and single or compound components of traditional Chinese medicine can improve depressive symptoms by inhibiting ferroptosis. This article reviews the mechanism of ferroptosis, its association with depression, and related treatment strategies, providing a new perspective for the study of depression mechanisms and drug development.