Research Paper Volume 15, Issue 7 pp 2418—2432

Figure 3. Inhibitory effect on ferroptosis. Cytosolic MDA (A) and cytosolic MDA + HNE (B) concentrations in the submandibular gland tissue. Compared to the SHAM group, the cytosolic MDA and MDA + HAE concentrations in the submandibular gland increased in the OVX group (p < 0.001) and decreased in the DFO group (MDA + HAE; p < 0.01 and MDA; p < 0.05) and FER group (MDA + HAE; p < 0.001 and MDA; p < 0.01) (Figure 3A and 3B). (C) GPX4 activity. GPX4 activity was reduced in the OVX group (p < 0.001), while the DFO (p < 0.05) and FER (P < 0.01) groups exhibited increased GPX4 activity. (D) Cytosolic iron content. Compared to the SHAM group, the cytosolic iron level increased in the OVX group and significantly decreased in the DFO group. (E) Electron microscopy images of mitochondria in the submandibular gland. The yellow arrow for indicating mitochondrial swelling, and blue arrow for indicating mitochondrial degeneration In the SHAM group, there was clear condensation of mitochondria and the shape was normal, but in the OVX group, the shape was irregular and the integrity was decreased. In the DFO and FER groups, mitochondrial recovery could be confirmed morphologically. Two-way ANOVA was performed. ^**p < 0.01, ^***p < 0.001 vs. SHAM group, ^#p < 0.05, ^##p < 0.01, ^###p < 0.001 vs. OVX group. Abbreviations: NS: not significant; SHAM: sham surgery group; OVX: ovariectomized group; DFO: deferoxamine injection group; FER: ferrostatin-1 injection group; MDA: malondialdehyde; HAE: 4-hydroxynonenal; GPX4: glutathione peroxidase 4.