Table 2.
Comparative analysis of metal-mediated RCD pathways.
| Metal-mediated cell death pathway | occurrence mechanism | Induction pathway | suppressor pathway | clinical application value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferroptosis (25) | It mediates cell death by participating in intracellular REDOX reactions and generating ROS. | Iron overload, oxidative stress, and abnormal glutathione metabolism. | Inhibition of iron ionophores and enhancement of antioxidant system. | Could be a potential treatment for tumors. |
| Cupoptosis (27) | It participates in a series of REDOX reactions within the cell, leading to intracellular oxidative stress that promotes cellular death. | Imbalance and oxidative stress in copper ion tray system. | Not clear. | Could be a potential treatment for tumors. |
| Cadmium-induced cell death (128) | Cell death is mediated through various mechanisms, such as interfering with the REDOX balance, activating the apoptosis pathway, inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, and causing DNA damage. | Accumulation of cadmium ions, mitochondrial dysfunction. | Reduce the accumulation of cadmium ion and enhance mitochondrial function. | It may influence cell apoptosis, promoting or inhibiting the development of certain tumors. |
| Chromium-induced cell death (129) | Cell death is mediated by interfering with DNA repair, activating apoptotic pathways, and inducing oxidative stress. | Chromium ion excess, oxidative stress. | Not clear. | Could be a new way to treat tumor. |
| Bismuth-induced cell death (130) | It mediates cell death by inducing oxidative stress, interfering with mitochondrial function, and triggering apoptosis. | Accumulation of bismuth ions. | Not clear. | Could be a new way to treat tumor. |
Metal-induced RCD plays a significant role in cellular demise. In this phenomenon, metal ions exert regulatory control over the apoptotic signaling pathway by interacting with crucial intracellular proteins, ultimately leading to cell death. In the present study, we provide a comprehensive comparison of disparate metal-mediated RCD pathways, focusing on the pathogenesis, induction, and inhibition of these pathways in tumor cells. Furthermore, we discuss the potential clinical applications associated with these metal-induced RCD pathways.