Ferroptosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: From cellular mechanisms to therapeutic applications

Furthermore, gene therapy targeting ACSL4 using a lentiviral system (si_ACSL4) reduces ACSL4 expression and inhibits ferroptosis in BECs, showing promise as a strategy for treating COPD. Inhibiting HMOX1 using zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) effectively prevented macrophage ferroptosis induced by CSE. [...]treatment with ferrostatin-1, ZnPP, and deferoxamine reduced Fe2+ levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and the release of ferritin from macrophages. In summary, we comprehensively analyze the role of ferroptosis in BECs, macrophages, and ECs in COPD. [...]we highlight potential therapeutic strategies targeting ferroptosis in these cells for COPD treatment. [...]in addition to BECs and macrophages, further investigation is required to understand the effects of ferroptosis inhibitors on other pulmonary cell types in COPD. [...]it is crucial to determine whether ferroptosis occurs during the entire development process of COPD or it mainly manifests in advanced stages.