Role of Thioredoxin-1 and its inducers in human health and diseases

Eur J Pharmacol. 2022 Mar 15:919:174756. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174756. Epub 2022 Jan 12.

Abstract

Thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) is a small redox-active protein normally found in mammalian cells that responds to the changing redox environment by contributing electrons or regulating related proteins. There is growing evidence that Trx-1 has multiple functions, including cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. To date, researchers have found that Trx-1 deficiency leads to severe damage in various disease models, such as atherosclerosis, cerebral ischemia, diabetes and tumors. Conversely, activation of Trx-1 has a protective effect against these diseases. Accordingly, a variety of Trx-1 inducers have been widely used in the clinic with significant therapeutic value. In this paper, we summarize the pathogenesis of Trx-1 involvement in the above-mentioned diseases and describe the protective effects of Trx-1 inducers on them.

Keywords: Antioxidant; Cerebral ischemia; Inducers; Nitrosation; Thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / metabolism*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Thioredoxins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Thioredoxins