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The emerging role of redox-sensitive Nrf2-Keap1 pathway in diabetes

Elango Bhakkiyalakshmi1, Dornadula Sireesh2, Palanisamy Rajaguru3

  • 1Department of Biotechnology, SRM University, Kattankulathur 603 203, Tamilnadu, India.

Pharmacological Research
|December 3, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Diabetes involves beta-cell death from oxidative stress. Activating the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway enhances cellular defenses, offering a potential strategy to combat diabetes and its complications.

Area of Science:

  • * Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases
  • * Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • * Oxidative Stress and Redox Biology

Background:

  • * Diabetes mellitus pathogenesis involves pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance.
  • * Oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial damage disrupts redox homeostasis, contributing to beta-cell death.
  • * The Nrf2/Keap1 pathway is a critical cellular defense mechanism against oxidative stress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To review the molecular mechanisms of Nrf2 activation.
  • * To explore the role of Nrf2/Keap1 pathway dysfunction in diabetes.
  • * To discuss the therapeutic potential of Nrf2 activators in managing diabetes and its complications.

Main Methods:

  • * Literature review of studies on Nrf2/Keap1 pathway, oxidative stress, and diabetes.
  • * Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying Nrf2 activation and its regulation.
  • * Synthesis of evidence on the impact of Nrf2 activators in preclinical and clinical diabetes models.

Main Results:

  • * Diabetes is associated with impaired Nrf2-dependent signaling, reducing antioxidant capacity.
  • * Nrf2 activation enhances the expression of phase II detoxifying and antioxidant genes.
  • * Small molecule Nrf2 activators show promise in protecting beta-cells and mitigating diabetes-related damage.

Conclusions:

  • * Targeting the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway represents a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetes.
  • * Enhancing antioxidant defenses via Nrf2 activation can protect pancreatic beta-cells from oxidative stress.
  • * Further research into Nrf2 activators could lead to novel treatments for diabetes and its associated complications.
Keywords:
AntioxidantsBardoxolone methyl (PubChem CID: 400769)Cinnamaldehyde (PubChem CID: 637511)Curcumin (PubChem CID: 969516)DiabetesEpigallocatechin gallate (PubChem CID: 65064)MG-132 (PubChem CID: 462382)Magnesium Lithospermate B (PubChem CID: 6438135)Nrf2 activatorsNrf2–Keap1 pathwayOxidative stressPterostilbene (PubChem CID: 5281727)Resveratrol (PubChem CID: 445154)Sulforaphane (PubChem CID: 5350)tert-Butylhydroquinone (PubChem CID: 16043)

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