Role of Ferroptosis in COVID-19 Pathogenesis: Insights from Iron Metabolism and Lipid Peroxidation Markers

Abstract

Ferroptosis is a form of programmed cell death characterized by the irondependent accumulation of lipid peroxides, leading to membrane damage and cell rupture. Several lines of evidence suggest that ferroptosis may contribute to the pathogenesis and severity of COVID- 19. This study aimed to measure iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation markers in COVID-19 patients to establish a direct link between ferroptosis and COVID-19. In the present cross-sectional study, the serum levels of hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, and iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) were assessed in 100 COVID-19 patients diagnosed using Real-time PCR and compared to the levels in 100 healthy individuals. Our findings revealed a significant increase in serum levels of ferritin and MDA in COVID- 19 patients compared to control subjects. Conversely, TIBC, Hb, Iron, and GSH levels were lower in COVID-19 patients than in control. Our study provides further evidence supporting the significance of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Further research aimed at elucidating the exact role of ferroptosis in COVID-19 is warranted, as it may lead to improved strategies for mitigating multi-organ dysfunction associated with this disease.