Objective A series of bioinformatics methods were used to identify ferroptosis related biomarkers in lupus nephritis (LN). Methods We retrieved sequencing data of GSE112943 from the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database and screened LN differentially expressed genes. We searched for ferroptosis-related gene (FRG) through FerrDb database, and screened LN-FRG. We conducted enrichment analysis on the LN-FRGs using David online bioinformatics database and screened the core LN-FRG using cytoHubba. We used external data sets to verify the core LN-FRGs, constructed competing endogenous RNA networks, and conducted molecular docking analysis. Results A total of 37 LN-FRGs were selected through screening. These genes are mainly enriched in inflammation, immune regulation and ferroptosis related signaling pathways. Through the cytoHubba and external dataset validation, the key core LN-FRG of ATF3 (activating transcription factor 3) was ultimately identified, and its expression was significantly increased in LN (P<0.05). Molecular docking analysis showed that ATF3 was closely bound to SLC7A11 and NRF2, and may participate in the occurrence and development of LN through the microRNA-27-ATF3 regulation axis. Conclusion The pivotal gene ATF3 may participate in the inflammation and immune injury of LN through ferroptosis.
ObjectiveTo construct a prognostic prediction model for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on disulfidptosis-associated genes (DAGs) and ferroptosis-associated genes (FAGs) using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases and explore the immune characteristics and antitumor drug sensitivity of HCC patients with high- and low-risk score. MethodsThe transcriptomic and clinical data of HCC were downloaded from the TCGA and ICGC databases. The expression levels of DAGs and FAGs were extracted. Subsequently, the differentially expressed and prognostically relevant DAGs and FAGs (DFAGs) were screened through differential expression and prognostic analysis. A prognostic prediction model for HCC was constructed by LASSO regression analysis. The prognostic value of risk factors was evaluated using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic curves, principal component analysis, and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to further elucidate the mechanisms of genes associated with HCC prognosis. The impact of risk factors on immune cells and immune cells functions was analyzed using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. Based on the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer database, the oncoPredict package was used to predict responses to antitumor drugs in for different risk groups. ResultsFour DFAGs (SLC7A11, SLC1A5, G6PD, and LRPPRC) with respective risk coefficients of 0.0350, 0.0442, 0.1597, and 0.0132 were selected to construct the prognostic prediction model. The risk score of prognostic prediction model was calculated as: Risk score =(0.0350×SLC7A11 expression level) + (0.0442×SLC1A5 expression level) + (0.159 7×G6PD expression level) + (0.013 2×LRPPRC expression level). The multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that a high-risk score was an independent risk factor for HCC patient survival [HR (95%CI) = 5.414 (1.918, 15.279), P<0.001]. Both TCGA and ICGC datasets demonstrated that the high-risk patients had significantly worse survival than low-risk patients (P<0.001 and P=0.003, respectively). Enrichment analysis revealed that the risk-associated genes influenced HCC progression through multiple pathways, such as immune response, cell cycle, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis. Immune analysis showed that the high-risk patients exhibited increased infiltration of immunosuppressive cells, such as activated dendritic cells, macrophages, and regulatory T cells, while natural killer cell infiltration was significantly reduced. The drug sensitivity analysis suggested that the high-risk HCC patients might respond better to 5-fluorouracil, afatinib, cyclophosphamide, and lapatinib, whereas the low-risk patients might benefit more from oxaliplatin and sorafenib. ConclusionsHCC prognosis prediction model based on DFAGs in this study suggests a certain predictive value for the survival of HCC patients in the data from both TCGA and ICGC datasets. There are significant differences in pionts of immune cells infiltration and immune cells functions between high-risk and low-risk HCC patients. Additionally, significant differences exist in sensitivity to targeted drugs and chemotherapeutic drugs. This model can provide some references for immunotherapy, personalized treatment, and prognosis evaluation of HCC patients.
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a pathological state caused by damage or disease to the somatosensory nervous system. Programmed cell death (PCD) is an orderly process of cell death regulated by both intrinsic signals and external stimuli. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have shown that PCD plays a key regulatory role in the pathogenesis of NP. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms of various types of PCD and their specific roles in NP, in order to provide new research directions for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of NP.
ObjectiveTo investigate the pan-cancer expression profile, prognostic value, co-expression networks, immune regulatory roles of BRF1, and its biological functions and molecular mechanisms in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). MethodsIntegrated analysis of TCGA pan-cancer datasets was performed to evaluate BRF1 expression differences between tumor/normal tissues, survival correlations, co-expressed gene-enriched pathways, and immune features (immune checkpoints, cytokines, immune cell infiltration). GEO datasets were used to validate BRF1 expression in ESCC. BRF1 was knocked down using siRNA in ESCC cells, with MTT and Transwell assays assessing proliferation/migration, and Western blot analyzing proliferation- (PCNA) and migration-related proteins (Vimentin, MMP, E-Cadherin). TCGA data were analyzed to explore BRF1-ferroptosis correlations. ResultsBRF1 was significantly upregulated in over 20 cancer types. High BRF1 expression predicted poor prognosis in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) and prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD). BRF1 positively regulated T cell-mediated cell death pathways in ESCA and circadian rhythm pathways in PAAD. BRF1 exhibited cancer-type-specific correlations with immune checkpoints, cytokine networks, and immune cell infiltration. In vitro, BRF1 knockdown suppressed ESCC proliferation (PCNA downregulation) and migration (Vimentin/MMP downregulation, E-Cadherin upregulation). BRF1 expression positively correlated with ferroptosis antagonists (GPX4, HSPA5, SLC7A11). ConclusionBRF1 demonstrates complex pan-cancer expression and functional heterogeneity, modulating tumor progression and immune infiltration. BRF1 promotes ESCC proliferation and migration, potentially via ferroptosis resistance regulation, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in ESCC.
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disease with a complex pathogenesis and diverse clinical manifestations. Currently, there is no specific treatment plan. Programmed cell death is an active and orderly way of cell death controlled by genes in the body, which maintains the homeostasis of the body and the development of organs and tissues by participating in various molecular signaling pathways. In recent years, programmed cell death has played an important regulatory role in the occurrence and development of IgAN, involving complex signaling pathways. Under pathological conditions, it may relieve kidney damage through various pathways such as reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammation, and improving energy metabolism. This article provides a review of the research progress of IgAN in apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis,and cuproptosis in order to provide new therapeutic targets for IgAN.
Objective To investigate the effects of sodium valproate (VPA) in inhibiting Erastin-induced ferroptosis in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and its underlying mechanisms. Methods BMSCs were isolated from bone marrow of 8-week-old Spragur Dawley rats and identified [cell surface antigens CD90, CD44, and CD45 were analyzed by flow cytometry, and osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation abilities were assessed by alizarin red S (ARS) and oil red O staining, respectively]. Cells of passage 3 were used for the Erastin-induced ferroptosis model, with different concentrations of VPA for intervention. The optimal drug concentration was determined using the cell counting kit 8 assay. The experiment was divided into 4 groups: group A, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium for 24 hours; group B, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium containing optimal concentration Erastin for 24 hours; group C, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium containing optimal concentration Erastin and VPA for 24 hours; group D, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium containing optimal concentration Erastin and VPA, and 8 μmol/L EX527 for 24 hours. The mitochondrial state of the cells was evaluated, including the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Osteogenic capacity was assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and ARS staining. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expressions of osteogenic-related proteins [Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteopontin (OPN)], ferroptosis-related proteins [glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)], and pathway-related proteins [adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)]. Results The cultured cells were identified as BMSCs. VPA inhibited Erastin-induced ferroptosis and the decline of osteogenic ability in BMSCs, acting through the activation of the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway. VPA significantly reduced the levels of ROS and MDA in Erastin-treated BMSCs and significantly increased GSH levels. Additionally, the expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins (GPX4, FTH1, and SLC7A11) significantly decreased. VPA also upregulated the expressions of osteogenic-related proteins (RUNX2 and OPN), enhanced mineralization and osteogenic differentiation, and increased the expressions of pathway-related proteins (AMPK and SIRT1). These effects could be reversed by the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527. ConclusionVPA inhibits ferroptosis in BMSCs through the AMPK/SIRT1 axis and promotes osteogenesis.
ObjectiveTo summarize a comprehensive overview of the mechanism of ferroptosis and its associated microRNAs in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to offer novel insights and potential avenues for tumor marker screening and targeted treatment in clinical hepatocellular carcinoma patients. MethodThe literatures on the basic and clinical application research of ferroptosis and related microRNA in the occurrence, development and prognosis of HCC at home and abroad in recent years were reviewed and summarized, and the research progress of microRNA regulating ferroptosis in HCC was summarized. ResultsMicroRNA, a type of non-coding small RNA, had the ability to regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional and translational levels. It held promising potential in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Ferroptosis, on the other hand, was a form of cell death triggered by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. It played a crucial role in the development of HCC. A series of miRNAs related to ferroptosis might act as HCC growth regulators to regulate the growth of cancer cells, or reverse the drug resistance of cancer cells, thereby promoting or inhibiting the occurrence and progression of HCC. ConclusionsMicroRNA can regulate the occurrence and development of HCC through the ferroptosis pathway and may become tumor markers for the early diagnosis of HCC. Additionally, microRNA may also serve as a related therapeutic target and provide a new treatment option for HCC.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Huaier extract on the proliferation, invasion, and ferroptosis pathways of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. MethodsThe CRC cell line SW620 was cultured in vitro, and the cells were treated with Huaier extract solution at different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, and 50 mg/mL). The cell counting kit 8 was used to detect the proliferation of CRC cells at different concentrations to scree the test dose of the Huaier extract. The Transwell and the scratch assays were used to detect the cell invasion and migration. The reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) kits were used to detect the cellular oxidative stress level. The Western blot was used to detect the ferroptosis-related proteins levels, including glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2), and high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1). ResultsIn this study, it could statistically inhibit the proliferation of CRC cells after 48 h interfering with Huaier extract at 10, 20 mg/mL concentrations, so we chose 10, 20 mg/mL concentrations as the test dose, 0 mg/L as the control dose. Huaier extract effectively inhibited the migration and invasion abilities of SW620 cells in a dose-dependent manner (Transwell: F=480.0, P<0.001; scratch assay: F=24.3, P=0.001). The level of ROS in the SW620 cells increased with the increase of concentration in a dose-dependent manner (F=806.3, P<0.001). the level of GSH in the SW620 cells decreased with the increase of concentration in a dose-dependent manner (F=35.0, P=0.005), but the level of MDA was highest at 10 mg/mL (F=22.9, P=0.002) . Further the Huaier extract could effectively reduce the expressions of GPX4 (F=74.2, P<0.001), NRF2 (F=32.8, P=0.001), and HMGB1 (F=55.1, P<0.001) in a dose-dependent manner. ConclusionFrom the results of this study, Huaier extract at 10 and 20 mg/mL concentrations can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of CRC SW620 cells by inducing ferroptosis.
Objective To summarize the papers about the research status and prospects of ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its drug resistance in recent years in order to provide directions and ideas for the treatment of HCC. Method The relevant literatures at home and abroad in recent years about ferroptosis in HCC and its drug resistance were reviewed. Results The mechanism of ferroptosis in the development and drug resistance of HCC was complicated, involving multiple protein and molecular pathways. Ferroptosis played an important role in improving chemotherapy and sorafenib resistance, and it had a broad application prospect in HCC. Conclusions The molecular mechanism of ferroptosis in HCC and its drug resistance has not been fully elucidated. Further research on the mechanism of ferroptosis in HCC may provide new molecular therapeutic targets for HCC. Ferroptosis has a broad application prospect in the treatment of HCC.
ObjectiveTo summarize the mechanism and research progress of ferroptosis in acute liver injury. MethodThe domestic and foreign literatures related of ferroptosis and acute liver injury were searched and reviewed. ResultsFerroptosis was a newly identified form of iron-dependent cell death. The loss of lipid peroxidation repair activity of glutathione peroxidase 4, the presence of redox active iron and the oxidation of phospholipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acids were considered to be distinctive features of ferroptosis. At present, the research on the regulation of ferroptosis genes involved common liver diseases, including drug-induced liver injury, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver fibrosis, liver ischemia-reperfusion injury, liver failure, nonalcoholic fatty liver and so on. Based on the high correlation between ferroptosis and acute liver injury, chemical therapy targeting ferroptosis could provide individualized treatment for patients with acute liver injury in the future. ConclusionsThe ferroptosis plays a critical role in governing various cellular processes and downstream effects. Its aberrant expression contributes to the development and advancement of acute liver injury through diverse mechanisms. Thoroughly exploring the involvement of the ferroptosis in acute liver injury is of utmost significance, as it holds the potential to unveil novel therapeutic targets for effective management of acute liver injury.