Ferroptosis and central nervous system demyelinating diseases

Ferroptosis is a newly discovered programmed cell death caused by intracellular iron excess and glutathione (GSH) system imbalance, resulting in fatal lipid peroxidation. It is different from necrosis, apoptosis, autophagy, and other forms of cell death. Accumulating evidences suggest that brain iron overload is involved in the pathogenesis of demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), such as multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (NMO), and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). The study of ferroptosis may provide a new understanding of demyelinating diseases and provide a novel therapeutic target for clinical treatment. Herein, we reviewed recent discoveries on mechanisms of ferroptosis, the effects of metabolic pathways on ferroptosis, and its involvement in CNS demyelinating diseases.

Automated summary

Ferroptosis, a newly discovered form of programmed cell death, is caused by intracellular iron excess and glutathione (GSH) system imbalance, resulting in fatal lipid peroxidation. It differs from other forms of cell death such as necrosis, apoptosis, and autophagy. Accumulating evidence suggests that brain iron overload is involved in the development of demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) like multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (NMO), and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Understanding ferroptosis may offer a new perspective on demyelinating diseases and potentially lead to novel therapeutic targets.