Temporal dynamics of ferroptosis markers and neuroprotective intervention in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury: Insights for therapeutic strategy development.

OBJECTIVES

This study examines the temporal dynamics of ferroptosis following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) to establish a theoretical framework for innovative therapies that enhance neuronal survival by mitigating ferroptosis.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

An experimental CIRI model was established in mice via middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R). Behavioral assessments were conducted, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity was evaluated using transmission electron microscopy. Immunoblotting and ELISA were performed to determine ferroptosis dynamics post-MCAO/R. Additionally, CIRI mice received intraperitoneal injections of Ferrostain-1 (10 mg/kg/d) and Erastin (30 mg/kg/d). The effects of ferroptosis on CIRI were further verified through 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride and hematoxylin-eosin staining.

RESULTS

MCAO/R induced BBB disruption, and was associated with a reduction in GSH activity (at 1, 3, and 5 days), elevated Fe(2+) levels (at 1 day), as well as decreased MDA levels (at 3 days). Concurrently, ferroptosis markers, including NRF2, xCT, and GPX4, were significantly down-regulated on day 1, reaching their nadir by day 3, whereas HO-1 exhibited an inverse trend. Notably, Ferrostatin-1 pretreatment conferred a protective effect against CIRI, in contrast to the MCAO and Erastin groups.

CONCLUSION

This study elucidates the temporal dynamics of ferroptosis markers in the early stages of stroke, highlighting a therapeutic window for ferroptosis-related CIRI. These findings underscore the importance of targeting ferroptosis to improve neuronal survival and inform future CIRI therapies.