OxLDL-induced ferroptosis and pyroptosis in atherosclerosis: a mini review - Report - MDSpire

OxLDL-induced ferroptosis and pyroptosis in atherosclerosis: a mini review

  • By

  • Shaozhi Liu

  • Yuxia Wu

  • Lei Chen

  • Li Hu

  • Jinjin Yin

  • May 28, 2026

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Clinical Report: Ferroptosis and Pyroptosis Induced by OxLDL in Atherosclerosis

Overview

This review highlights the role of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) in inducing ferroptosis and pyroptosis, two regulated cell death mechanisms that contribute to atherosclerosis progression. The interplay between these pathways amplifies vascular inflammation and presents potential therapeutic targets for managing residual cardiovascular risk.

Background

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains a leading cause of mortality globally, with significant residual risk even in patients with controlled LDL cholesterol levels. Understanding the mechanisms of cell death, particularly ferroptosis and pyroptosis induced by oxLDL, is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing inflammation and improving patient outcomes.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data presented in the article.

Key Findings

  • OxLDL triggers ferroptosis and pyroptosis, contributing to plaque instability in atherosclerosis.
  • Ferroptosis is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and is suppressed by glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4).
  • Pyroptosis is mediated by inflammasome-activated gasdermin D (GSDMD), leading to inflammatory cytokine release.
  • There is significant crosstalk between ferroptosis and pyroptosis, establishing a positive feedback loop that enhances vascular inflammation.
  • Targeting these cell death pathways may offer new therapeutic strategies to address residual inflammatory risk in ASCVD.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the roles of ferroptosis and pyroptosis in the inflammatory processes of atherosclerosis when developing treatment plans. Targeting these pathways may provide additional strategies to mitigate residual cardiovascular risk beyond traditional lipid-lowering therapies.

Conclusion

The integrated understanding of ferroptosis and pyroptosis in the context of oxLDL-induced inflammation offers promising avenues for therapeutic intervention in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Journal of Gastroenterology, 2025 -- Ferroptosis: Mechanisms and Implications in Hepatic Disorders
  2. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Ferroptosis: a promising therapeutic target for periodontitis
  3. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Convergent death programs in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: how pyroptotic and ferroptotic crosstalk reshapes therapeutic paradigms
  4. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2026 -- Iron-dependent ferroptosis in cardiac microvascular endothelial cells: a key link between dysregulated iron homeostasis and microcirculatory injury during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion
  5. ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines -- 2023 Chronic Coronary Disease guideline
  6. Canakinumab Anti-Inflammatory Thrombosis Outcomes Study - American College of Cardiology
  7. Oxidized phospholipids in cardiovascular disease | Nature Reviews Cardiology
  8. ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines
  9. Canakinumab Anti-Inflammatory Thrombosis Outcomes Study - American College of Cardiology
  10. Oxidized phospholipids in cardiovascular disease | Nature Reviews Cardiology

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