The Role of Ferroptosis in Women's Health and Diseases.

Currently, there are many diseases worldwide that seriously affect women's health. Among these, gestational disorders and female cancers such as ovarian cancer are particularly notable for their high morbidity and mortality rates. Over the past decade, ferroptosis, a distinct form of programmed cell death primarily driven by iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various female-related diseases. Despite many studies individually reporting that ferroptosis plays a crucial pathogenic role in common female disorders, there has yet to be a systematic overview addressing the mechanisms linking ferroptosis with women's health and disease. Thus, we herein provide a comprehensive review of the relationship between cellular pathways of ferroptosis and women's health and disease and describe the current progress of targeted therapy for ferroptosis. Following a succinct introduction to the disease, we summarize the regulatory role of ferroptosis in women's health and its implications for disease progression, with the aim of facilitating a clearer understanding of the relationship between ferroptosis and women's health. Finally, we discuss the emerging challenges and opportunities presented by various agonists or inhibitors targeting ferroptosis as potential therapeutic strategies for female-related diseases, providing additional protective approaches contributing to female health.