In this comprehensive review, we examine the intricate interplay between
inflammation, ferroptosis, and atrial fibrillation (AF), highlighting their
significant roles in AF pathophysiology and pathogenesis. Augmented inflammatory
responses are pivotal to AF, potentially leading to atrial remodeling and reentry
phenomena by impacting calcium channels and atrial tissue fibrosis. A strong
correlation exists between inflammatory cytokines and AF, underscoring the
importance of inflammatory signaling pathways, such as NOD-like receptor thermal protien domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome,
Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-
B) signaling, and Tumor necrosis factor-
(TNF-
) signaling in AF development.
Ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic regulated mode of cell death, has been widely
studied in relation to cardiovascular diseases including heart failure,
myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and reperfusion injury. The interaction
between ferroptosis and inflammation is complex and mutually influential. While
significant progress has been made in understanding the inflammation-AF
relationship, the role of inflammation as a conduit linking ferroptosis and AF
remains underexplored. The specific pathogenesis and key molecules of atrial
fibrosis caused by ferroptosis are still not fully understood. Here we review the
role of inflammatory signaling in ferroptosis and AF. We elucidated the
association between ferroptosis and AF, aiming to unveil mechanisms for targeted
inhibition of atrial cell fibrosis and to propose novel therapeutic strategies
for AF. This exploration is vital for advancing our knowledge and developing more
effective interventions for AF, a condition deeply intertwined with inflammatory
processes and ferroptotic pathways.