Ferroptosis as a Novel Pathway in the Pathogenesis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Abstract Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal condition that primarily affects premature infants and is characterized by inflammation and necrosis of the intestinal tissue. Despite numerous efforts, it remains the single leading cause of death in neonatal gastrointestinal disease. This review explores the emerging role of ferroptosis—a form of regulated cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation—in the pathogenesis of NEC. The purpose of this review is to address the unique vulnerability of neonates to ferroptosis, which is influenced by their developmental stage and the oxidative stress associated with prematurity. We will next examine the implications of ferroptosis in NEC, discussing how its dysregulation may contribute to the inflammatory processes and tissue damage observed in this devastating neonatal condition. Furthermore, we evaluate the potential of targeting ferroptosis as a therapeutic strategy for mitigating NEC. By elucidating the connection between ferroptosis and NEC, this review aims to inspire future studies to explore this understudied relationship and to promote the investigation of novel therapeutic approaches targeting the ferroptotic pathway.