Dynamic Regulation of Ferroptosis in a Neonatal Rat Model of Postnatal Hypoxia-Induced Acute Kidney Injury
Open Access
- 4 May 2026
- journal article
- research article
- Published by MDPI AG in Antioxidants
- Vol. 15 (5) , 582
Abstract
Hypoxia during the postnatal period represents a significant risk factor for renal injury in neonates, yet the molecular mechanisms linking oxygen deprivation to kidney damage remain unclear. In this study, we explored whether ferroptosis serves as a key mediator in hypoxia-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Using a neonatal rat model, we demonstrated that hypoxic exposure disrupts iron homeostasis, leading to iron accumulation and excessive lipid peroxidation in renal tissues. These alterations were associated with marked tubular injury, glomerular damage, and progressive fibrotic remodeling. Importantly, reoxygenation attenuated ferroptosis-related signaling pathways and improved renal structural and functional outcomes, although incomplete recovery was observed in fibrotic changes. Our findings suggest that ferroptosis is not only involved in the initiation of hypoxia-induced renal injury but may also contribute to its progression toward chronic kidney pathology. Targeting ferroptosis and iron metabolism may therefore represent a promising strategy for preventing or treating neonatal hypoxia-related AKI.Keywords
Funding Information
- ZuoYing Armed Forces General Hospital (KAFGH-ZY_A_113006)
- ZuoYing Armed Forces General Hospital (ZYAFGH_A_115005)
- Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital (TYAFGH_A_112001)
- Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital (TYAFGH_A_114001)
- Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital (KAFGH_D_115021)
- Pingtung Veterans General Hospital (PTVGH-11320)
- Pingtung Veterans General Hospital (PTVGH-11324)
- Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital (KSVGH-113-002)
- Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital (KSVGH-114-057)
This publication has 43 references indexed in Scilit:
- Hypoxia and ferroptosisCellular Signalling, 2024
- Eplerenone improves hyperglycemia and sympathetic excitation in chronic renocardiac syndrome in ratsNaunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 2023
- Perinatal Hypoxemia and Oxygen SensingComprehensive Physiology, 2021
- Distinct regulatory mechanisms of the human ferritin gene by hypoxia and hypoxia mimetic cobalt chloride at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levelsCellular Signalling, 2014
- Ferroptosis: An Iron-Dependent Form of Nonapoptotic Cell DeathCell, 2012
- Etiology and outcome of acute kidney injury in childrenPediatric Nephrology, 2010
- Differential effects of chronic intermittent and chronic constant hypoxia on postnatal growth and developmentPediatric Pulmonology, 2007
- Oxygen and placental villous development: Origins of fetal hypoxiaPlacenta, 1997
- A sensitive post-DAB enhancement technique for demonstration of iron in the central nervous systemHistochemistry and Cell Biology, 1993
- Role of iron in postischemic renal injury in the ratKidney International, 1988