HIF1A/BNIP3 pathway affects ferroptosis in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy through binding to BCL-2.

Background: Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) involves ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) regulates autophagy and apoptosis, but its role in ferroptosis remains unclear. This study investigates the interaction between the HIF1A/BNIP3 signaling pathway and the ferroptosis axis, SLC7A11/GPX4, in septic myocardial injury.

Methods: A rat model of septic myocardial injury was created via cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), with an in vitro model using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Groups: sham, CLP, CLP + solvent, CLP + HIF1A inhibitor (LW6), CLP + ferroptosis inhibitor (Fer-1), and CLP + LW6 + Fer-1. Cardiac function, histopathological changes, and biomarkers (myocardial injury/inflammation/ferroptosis) were measured. In vitro, H9c2 cells were treated with LPS, LW6, or fenbendazole (FZ) and transfected with BNIP3 shRNA. Various assays were used to evaluate cell viability, ROS levels, and protein interactions.

Results: (1) HIF1A/BNIP3 activation aggravated septic myocardial injury and ferroptosis; inhibition reversed this. (2) BNIP3 knockdown alleviated LPS-induced injury and ferroptosis in H9c2 cells. (3) BNIP3 and BECN1 competed for BCL-2 binding, modulating ferroptosis-related signaling.

Conclusion: BCL-2 links the HIF1A/BNIP3 and BECN1/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathways, offering insights into septic myocardial injury mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.