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Nrf2 as molecular target for polyphenols: A novel therapeutic strategy in diabetic retinopathy
Seyed Fazel Nabavi1, Alistair J Barber2, Carmela Spagnuolo3
1a Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran .
Abstract:
Diabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes that is considered one of the leading causes of blindness among adults. More than 4.4 million people suffer from this disorder throughout the world. Growing evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a redox sensitive transcription factor, plays an essential protective role in regulating the physiological response to oxidative and electrophilic stress via regulation of multiple genes encoding antioxidant proteins and phase II detoxifying enzymes. Many studies suggest that dozens of natural compounds, including polyphenols, can supress oxidative stress and inflammation through targeting Nrf2 and consequently activating the antioxidant response element-related cytoprotective genes. Therefore, Nrf2 may provide a new therapeutic target for treatment of diabetic retinopathy. In the present article, we will focus on the role of Nrf2 in diabetic retinopathy and the ability of polyphenols to target Nrf2 as a therapeutic strategy.
Insights
Diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness, involves oxidative stress. Targeting the Nrf2 pathway with natural compounds like polyphenols offers a promising therapeutic strategy for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy is a major microvascular complication of diabetes, leading to adult blindness.
- Oxidative stress is increasingly recognized as a key factor in diabetic retinopathy's development.
- Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a critical transcription factor in cellular defense against oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of Nrf2 in the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy.
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting Nrf2 with natural compounds, specifically polyphenols.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on Nrf2, oxidative stress, and diabetic retinopathy.
- Analysis of studies demonstrating polyphenol interactions with the Nrf2 pathway.
Main Results:
- Nrf2 activation upregulates antioxidant and detoxifying genes, offering protection against oxidative damage.
- Polyphenols have shown potential in suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation by modulating the Nrf2 pathway.
- Targeting Nrf2 presents a viable therapeutic avenue for managing diabetic retinopathy.
Conclusions:
- Nrf2 plays a significant protective role in combating diabetic retinopathy.
- Polyphenols represent a promising class of natural compounds for therapeutic intervention in diabetic retinopathy via Nrf2 activation.
