The Role of Iron Accumulation in Fibrosis and Senescence

Iron accumulation has been found to play a causative role in fibrogenesis, senescence, and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Fibrogenic injuries can lead to progressive iron accumulation in tissues, which promotes the secretion of pro-fibrotic cytokines, recruitment of immune cells, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, and activation of profibrogenic pathways. Iron accumulation also induces cellular senescence, characterized by the upregulation of senescence markers and DNA damage. These findings suggest that targeting iron accumulation may be a potential therapeutic strategy for fibrotic diseases.