Glutathione metabolism-mediated ferroptosis reduces water-holding capacity in beef during cold storage

To investigate the potential mechanisms by which cold storage affects the water-holding capacity (WHC) of beef through analysis of exudates using an untargeted metabolomics strategy. A total of 877 metabolites were detected in four groups of beef exudates that have been frozen for 1, 2, 4, and 6 days, of which, 278 were identified as differential metabolites (DMs). The metabolic pathways of the DMs analysed by KEGG pathway enrichment included ABC transporters, purine metabolism, biosynthesis of cofactors, protein digestion and absorption, and ferroptosis. Ferroptosis was identified during storage of beef, and the reduction in WHC of beef was accompanied by a ferroptosis process. In addition, six DMs were identified in the KEGG pathway of ferroptosis, and the process of cellular ferroptosis was dependent on the inhibition of glutathione metabolic processes. Overall, the ferroptosis of cells during beef storage had a negative impact on WHC, and the finding of ferroptosis complemented the post-slaughter apoptosis.