Naturally Occurring Nrf2 Activators: Potential in Treatment of Liver Injury

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016:2016:3453926. doi: 10.1155/2016/3453926. Epub 2016 Dec 22.

Abstract

Oxidative stress plays a major role in acute and chronic liver injury. In hepatocytes, oxidative stress frequently triggers antioxidant response by activating nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor, which upregulates various cytoprotective genes. Thus, Nrf2 is considered a potential therapeutic target to halt liver injury. Several studies indicate that activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway ameliorates liver injury. The hepatoprotective potential of naturally occurring compounds has been investigated in various models of liver injuries. In this review, we comprehensively appraise various phytochemicals that have been assessed for their potential to halt acute and chronic liver injury by enhancing the activation of Nrf2 and have the potential for use in humans.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Carbon Tetrachloride / toxicity
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / drug therapy*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / metabolism
  • Fatty Liver / metabolism
  • Fatty Liver / pathology
  • Fatty Liver / therapy
  • Humans
  • Metals, Heavy / toxicity
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2 / agonists*
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2 / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Phytochemicals / therapeutic use
  • Phytochemicals / toxicity
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Metals, Heavy
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2
  • Phytochemicals
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Carbon Tetrachloride