Interactions between the gut microbiome and ferroptosis in degenerative diseases: Novel mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies

Degenerative diseases are a group of medical conditions characterized by the progressive and irreversible deterioration of cells, tissues, and organs over time. Emerging evidence highlights the alteration and functions of the gut microbiome in the development of degenerative diseases. Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, has been implicated as a pivotal factor in the regulatory effect of the gut microbiome on degenerative diseases. Moreover, gut metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids and trimethylamine N-oxide, are closely related to iron overload, redox imbalance, and lipid peroxidation. Recently, microbiome-based therapies, such as fecal microbiota transplantation, have been considered novel therapeutic strategies. In this review, we focus on degenerative diseases and explore the interactions between the gut microbiome and ferroptosis, aiming to provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications. The interactions between the gut microbiome and ferroptosis play an important role in degenerative diseases.