Baicalein Relieves Ferroptosis-Mediated Phagocytosis Inhibition of Macrophages in Ovarian Endometriosis

Abstract

Iron overload and oxidative stress have been reported to contribute to ferroptosis in endometriotic lesions. However, the possible roles of iron overload on macrophages in endometriosis (EMs) remain unknown. Based on recent reports by single-cell sequencing data of endometriosis, here we found significant upregulations of ferroptosis-associated genes in the macrophage of the endometriotic lesion. Additionally, there was an elevated expression of HMOX1, FTH1, and FTL in macrophages of peritoneal fluid in EMs, as well as iron accumulation in the endometriotic lesions. Notably, cyst fluid significantly up-regulated levels of intracellular iron and ferroptosis in Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated THP-1 cells. Additionally, high iron-induced ferroptosis obviously reduced PMA-stimulated THP-1 cells’ phagocytosis and increased the expression of angiogenic cytokines, such as vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and interleukin 8 (IL8). Baicalein, a potential anti-ferroptosis compound, increased GPX4 expression, significantly inhibited ferroptosis, and restored phagocytosis of THP-1 cells in vitro. Collectively, our study reveals that ferroptosis triggered by high iron in cyst fluid promotes the development of EMs by impairing macrophage phagocytosis and producing more angiogenic cytokines (e.g., IL8 and VEGFA). Baicalein displays the potential for the treatment of EMs, especially in patients with high ferroptosis and low phagocytosis of macrophages.