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Nrf2 in health and disease: current and future clinical implications

Othman Al-Sawaf1, Tim Clarner2, Athanassios Fragoulis3

  • 1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany othman.al-sawaf@rwth-aachen.de cwruck@ukaachen.de.

Clinical Science (London, England : 1979)
|September 20, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is key to cellular defense against oxidative stress. This review covers Nrf2-targeting therapies for chronic diseases, including those in clinical trials and practice.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master regulator of the antioxidant response.
  • Nrf2 controls a vast network of cytoprotective genes essential for preventing organ damage.
  • Dysregulation of Nrf2 is implicated in various chronic and degenerative diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of Nrf2 in oxidative stress and disease prevention.
  • To summarize Nrf2-targeting therapies currently in clinical trials.
  • To highlight Nrf2-modulating agents that have reached clinical practice.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of basic research findings on Nrf2.
  • Analysis of ongoing clinical trials targeting Nrf2.
  • Survey of approved Nrf2-based therapies.

Main Results:

  • Nrf2 activation demonstrates therapeutic potential across multiple organ systems.
  • Several Nrf2-targeting drugs are progressing through clinical trials for conditions like multiple sclerosis, kidney disease, and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Some Nrf2-modulating agents are already in clinical use, demonstrating the translational success of targeting this pathway.

Conclusions:

  • Nrf2 is a critical therapeutic target for managing oxidative stress-related chronic diseases.
  • The development of Nrf2-targeting therapies represents a significant advancement in preventative and therapeutic medicine.
  • Further research and clinical investigation into Nrf2 modulation promise new treatments for a range of debilitating conditions.
Keywords:
Nrf2cardiovascular diseasechronic kidney diseaseclinical trialsmultiple sclerosisoxidative stress

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