AUTHOR=Tang Shaokai , Zhang Jianhua , Chen Jiawei , Zhou Zeng , Lin Qinqin TITLE=Ferroptosis in neurodegenerative diseases: potential mechanisms of exercise intervention JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025 YEAR=2025 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cell-and-developmental-biology/articles/10.3389/fcell.2025.1622544 DOI=10.3389/fcell.2025.1622544 ISSN=2296-634X ABSTRACT=Neurodegenerative diseases represent a major global cause of mortality and disability. These disorders are characterized by complex pathogenesis and currently lack effective therapeutic strategies. Iron, a vital trace element for normal brain function, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases via the ferroptosis pathway. Emerging evidence indicates that exercise can suppress ferroptosis directly or indirectly by regulating iron metabolism, oxidative stress, and exerkine expression, thereby conferring neuroprotection. This review summarizes current insights into the role of ferroptosis in neurodegenerative diseases and explores the mechanisms by which exercise modulates the ferroptosis pathway, offering a scientific rationale for exercise-based interventions in brain health.