Resveratrol protects against deoxynivalenol-induced ferroptosis in HepG2 cells

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most serious mycotoxins that contaminate food and feed, causing hepatocyte death. However, there is still a lack of understanding regarding the new cell death modalities that explain DON-induced hepatocyte toxicity. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent type of cell death. The aim of this study was to explore the role of ferroptosis in DON-exposed HepG2 cytotoxicity and the antagonistic effect of resveratrol (Res) on its toxicity, and the underlying molecular mechanisms. HepG2 cells were treated with Res (8 μM) or/and DON (0.4 μM) for 12 h. We examined cell viability, cell proliferation, expression of ferroptosis-related genes, levels of lipid peroxidation and Fe(II). The results revealed that DON reduced the expression levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, GCLC, NQO1, and Nrf2 while promoting the expression of TFR1, GSH depletion, accumulation of MDA and total ROS. DON enhanced production of 4-HNE, lipid ROS and Fe(II) overload, resulting in ferroptosis. However, pretreatment with Res reversed these changes, attenuating DON-induced ferroptosis, improving cell viability and cell proliferation. Importantly, Res prevented Erastin and RSL3-induced ferroptosis, suggesting that Res exerted an anti-ferroptosis effect by activating SLC7A11-GSH-GPX4 signaling pathways. In summary, Res ameliorated DON-induced ferroptosis in HepG2 cells. This study provides a new perspective on the mechanism of DON-induced hepatotoxicity formation, and Res may be an effective drug to alleviate DON-induced hepatotoxicity.