Inhibiting ferroptosis: A novel approach for stroke therapeutics

•This review briefly introduces the contributor role of ferroptosis in stroke.•Ferroptosis inhibitors exhibit neuroprotective effects in multiple stroke models.•The potential of ferroptosis inhibitors in stroke therapeutics is discussed. Stroke ranks as the second leading cause of death across the globe. Despite advances in stroke therapeutics, no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs that can minimize neuronal injury and restore neurological function are clinically available. Ferroptosis, a regulated iron-dependent form of nonapoptotic cell death, has been shown to contribute to stroke-mediated neuronal damage. Inhibitors of ferroptosis have also been validated in several stroke models of ischemia or intracerebral hemorrhage. Herein, we review the therapeutic activity of inhibitors of ferroptosis in stroke models. We further summarize previously reported neuroprotectants that show protective effects in stroke models that have been recently validated as ferroptosis inhibitors. These findings reveal new mechanisms for neuroprotection and highlight the importance of ferroptosis during stroke processes. Ferroptosis inhibitors are promising neuroprotectants in stroke therapy.