Rutin attenuates iron overload induced-ferroptosis in rats’ heart tissue

Rutin is a natural flavonoid with antioxidant and iron chelating properties. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of rutin against iron-overload and ionising radiation induced (IR)-ferroptosis in rats’ heart tissue. Rats were divided into nine groups; control, Rutin, IR, Fe, Fe + IR, Fe + Rutin, IR+Rutin, Fe + IR+Rutin and Fe + IR+Deferasirox. Serum iron profiles total iron, TIBC, ferritin, transferrin, and hepicidin were determined. Moreover, MDA, GSH, and NO levels and GPx, and SOD activities were also determined. Levels of gene expression of GPX4, Nrf2, DMT1, ACSL4, and caspase3 genes were evaluated by using RT-qPCR. Finally, histopathological examination of rat heart tissues of different groups was done. After rutin treatment, our results revealed that TIBC, ferritin, transferrin, hepicidin, MDA&NO were significantly decreased, while GSH level and GPx&SOD activities were significantly increased. Also, rutin exerting its protective role by increasing GPX4&Nrf2 expressions and decreasing DMTN, ACSL4, and caspase3 expressions. Rutin can be proposed as a therapeutic candidate to attenuate ferroptosis.