# Ferroptosis of smooth muscle cells in vascular diseases: from basic principles to clinical translation

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how a type of cell death called ferroptosis in smooth muscle cells contributes to various vascular diseases and explores potential therapeutic strategies.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of the role of ferroptosis in vascular diseases and highlights novel therapeutic targets.

## Key findings

- Ferroptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells is linked to multiple vascular diseases.
- Understanding ferroptosis mechanisms may lead to new therapeutic approaches for vascular disorders.

## Abstract

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which form the media layer of blood vessels, play a vital role in vascular homeostasis and remodeling. Dysfunction of VSMCs represents a key pathological basis and an important contributor to vascular diseases. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent accumulation of lipid hydroperoxides, is a novel form of regulated cell death. VSMC ferroptosis is involved in a range of vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, vascular calcification, hypertension, aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, neointimal hyperplasia, intracranial aneurysm, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. This review summarizes the current evidence, underlying potential mechanisms, and therapeutic targets of VSMC ferroptosis in vascular diseases. A deeper understanding of this process may provide therapeutic insights and help in mitigating cardiovascular risk in affected patients.