Amelioration of nephrotoxicity by targeting ferroptosis: role of NCOA4, IREB2, and SLC7a11 signaling

Braz J Med Biol Res. 2024 Oct 7:57:e13116. doi: 10.1590/1414-431X2024e13116. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Nephrotoxicity is a common complication that limits the clinical utility of cisplatin. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent necrotic cell death program that is mediated by phospholipid peroxidation. The molecular mechanisms that disrupt iron homeostasis and lead to ferroptosis are yet to be elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the involvement of nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4), a selective cargo receptor that mediates ferroptosis and autophagic degradation of ferritin in nephrotoxicity. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly-assigned to four groups: control group, cisplatin (Cis)-treated group, deferiprone (DEF)-treated group, and Cis+DEF co-treated group. Serum, urine, and kidneys were isolated to perform biochemical, morphometric, and immunohistochemical analysis. Iron accumulation was found to predispose to ferroptotic damage of the renal tubular cells. Treatment with deferiprone highlights the role of ferroptosis in nephrotoxicity. Upregulation of NCOA4 in parallel with low ferritin level in renal tissue seems to participate in iron-induced ferroptosis. This study indicated that ferroptosis may participate in cisplatin-induced tubular cell death and nephrotoxicity through iron-mediated lipid peroxidation. Iron dyshomeostasis could be attributed to NCOA4-mediated ferritin degradation.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Transport System y+ / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cisplatin* / toxicity
  • Deferiprone / pharmacology
  • Ferritins / metabolism
  • Ferroptosis* / drug effects
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Iron / metabolism
  • Kidney / drug effects
  • Kidney / metabolism
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Kidney Diseases / chemically induced
  • Kidney Diseases / metabolism
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
  • Male
  • Nuclear Receptor Coactivators* / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley*
  • Signal Transduction* / drug effects

Substances

  • Cisplatin
  • Nuclear Receptor Coactivators
  • Deferiprone
  • Amino Acid Transport System y+
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Iron
  • Ferritins

Grants and funding

The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies at King Khalid University for funding this work through Large Group Research Project under grant number RGP2/312/45.