Scorpio and centipede ameliorate asthma by inhibiting the crosstalk between ferroptosis and inflammation in airway epithelial cells

OBJECTIVE(S): We previously revealed that scorpio and centipede (SC) improve the inflammatory response in asthma, whereas it is unclear whether ferroptosis is involved in this process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The asthmatic mouse model was established and lung tissues were collected for histopathological examination. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin- (IL-)1β, Fe(2+), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed in asthmatic mice and mouse airway epithelial cells. RESULTS: Our results showed that ferroptosis was induced in asthmatic mice, as evidenced by the reduction of FTH1 and GPX4 expression and the increase of MDA and Fe(2+) levels (all P<0.05). Ferrostatin-1 repressed inflammation and ferroptosis of asthmatic mice. Additionally, SC significantly inhibited the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, MDA, and Fe(2+), while enhancing FTH1 and GPX4 expression. However, SC plus erastin showed the reverse results. Moreover, ferroptosis remarkably increased in asthmatic airway epithelial cells, while SC suppressed ferroptosis of the cells (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: SC ameliorated asthma by inhibiting the crosstalk between ferroptosis and inflammation in airway epithelial cells.