Ferroptosis : Recent Study
A recent study by researchers has identified ferroptosis, an unusual form of cell death, as a significant contributor to lung damage in COVID-19 patients.
- Ferroptosis occurs when the outer fat layers of cells collapse, leading to cell death.
- This differs from the more common type of cell death, where cells break down their internal molecules.
- The study analysed human tissues and autopsies of COVID-19 victims, along with samples from hamsters, revealing that ferroptosis was a primary mechanism behind the lung damage observed.
- Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death characterized by the iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxides to lethal levels.
- Unlike other forms of cell death such as apoptosis or necrosis, ferroptosis specifically involves the oxidative damage of lipids within cell membranes, leading to cell membrane destabilization and ultimately cell death.
