Oxidative stress and iron homeostasis imbalance mediate AlCl3-induced liver damage in mice

Abstract

The liver, a critical metabolic organ, is particularly vulnerable to damage upon aluminum exposure. However, the precise molecular mechanisms through which aluminum induces hepatotoxicity remain to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the adverse effects of aluminum exposure on mouse liver tissue. The results indicated that AlCl₃ exposure induced significant liver dysfunction, characterized by reduced adenosine triphosphate levels, elevated plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Histopathological analysis of liver tissue revealed marked histological damage, accompanied by substantial iron deposition. Further examinations demonstrated elevated hepatic levels of malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal, and reactive oxygen species, decreased levels of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase, increased levels of oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and a reduced GSH/GSSG ratio. The mRNA and protein expression of ferroptosis-related molecules, including downregulated glutathione peroxidase 4 and solute carrier family 7 member 11, were significantly downregulated, while acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4, ferritin heavy chain 1, and iron regulatory protein 1 levels were significantly upregulated. Treatment with Ferrostatin-1 markedly ameliorated liver dysfunction and histopathological damage, attenuating signs of ferroptosis. These findings highlight the potential of ferroptosis-targeted therapies as a viable treatment strategy for aluminum exposure-induced hepatocyte injury.