Ferroptosis and macrophage efferocytosis in periodontitis: Biological insights and therapeutic advances

Periodontitis is a severe global public health issue associated with the development and exacerbation of various systemic diseases, underscoring the need for further research and clinical attention. Ferroptosis and macrophage efferocytosis have garnered attention as prominent domains of investigation in the medical field; however, their exact roles in the pathogenesis of periodontitis are not yet fully understood. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of current research on ferroptosis and macrophage efferocytosis in periodontal disease, while exploring the roles of redox homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and iron metabolism in linking ferroptosis and macrophage efferocytosis in the context of periodontitis. Furthermore, we propose that macrophage reprogramming may act as a unifying mechanism that integrates these three factors in the disease process, clarifying the potential interconnection between macrophage efferocytosis and ferroptosis during periodontitis. This article systematically summarizes the molecular mechanisms that govern ferroptosis and macrophage efferocytosis in periodontitis, offering innovative theoretical perspectives on its pathogenesis and identifying potential therapeutic targets for intervention.