Harnessing Adipose Ferroptosis: A Promising Novel Pathway for Obesity Treatment

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review summarizes the potential of targeting ferroptosis-iron-dependent lipid peroxidation-as a novel strategy for treating obesity and its metabolic complications through mechanisms different from traditional interventions.

Recent findings: Recent preclinical studies show that selectively inducing ferroptosis in lipid-rich adipocytes and obese mice can effectively decrease fat mass and enhance metabolic health. These ferroptosis-based methods target the fundamental cellular processes of adipocyte dysfunction, affecting lipid metabolism and reducing oxidative stress. The strategy appears promising in addressing major metabolic issues such as insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. In addition, the ability to customize ferroptosis inducers based on individual metabolic profiles offers a pathway to highly personalized obesity treatments. Ferroptosis agonists offer a revolutionary therapeutic approach for obesity treatment by directly reducing fat mass and targeting key metabolic issues. However, applying these findings in clinical settings requires careful evaluation of the long-term safety and effects of pharmacological ferroptosis induction. This review highlights important gaps in current knowledge and suggests future research directions crucial for developing these innovative therapies.

Keywords: Adipose Tissue; Fat Mass; Ferroptosis; Obesity; Programmed Cell Death; Treatment.