Basic Concepts on the Role of Nuclear Factor Erythroid-Derived 2-Like 2 (Nrf2) in Age-Related Diseases

Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Jun 29;20(13):3208. doi: 10.3390/ijms20133208.

Abstract

The transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is one of the most important oxidative stress regulator in the human body. Once Nrf2 regulates the expression of a large number of cytoprotective genes, it plays a crucial role in the prevention of several diseases, including age-related disorders. However, the involvement of Nrf2 on these conditions is complex and needs to be clarified. Here, a brief compilation of the Nrf2 enrollment in the pathophysiology of the most common age-related diseases and bring insights for future research on the Nrf2 pathway is described. This review shows a controversial response of this transcriptional factor on the presented diseases. This reinforces the necessity of more studies to investigate modulation strategies for Nrf2, making it a possible therapeutic target in the treatment of age-related disorders.

Keywords: Nrf2; age-related disorders; oxidative stress.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / metabolism
  • Aging / pathology*
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / metabolism
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2 / genetics
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2 / metabolism*
  • Osteoporosis / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress*
  • Parkinson Disease / metabolism

Substances

  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2