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Therapeutic Potential of the Activators of the Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2-Antioxidant Response

Toshiaki Kume1

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University.

Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin
|May 2, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Low molecular-weight compounds that activate the Nrf2-ARE pathway may treat brain disorders. These compounds induce antioxidant enzymes, offering a sustained defense against oxidative stress, unlike traditional antioxidants.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Oxidative stress is a key factor in brain disorders.
  • Current antioxidant treatments for brain diseases are limited.
  • In vivo antioxidant systems include consumable antioxidants and inducible antioxidant enzymes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the therapeutic potential of low molecular-weight compounds for brain diseases.
  • To investigate compounds that activate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway.

Main Methods:

  • Discussion of existing literature on the Nrf2-ARE pathway.
  • Analysis of the mechanisms of antioxidant enzymes induction.
  • Evaluation of low molecular-weight compounds as Nrf2-ARE activators.

Main Results:

  • Antioxidant enzymes provide sustained protection compared to consumable antioxidants.
  • Inducing antioxidant enzymes is a promising strategy for treating brain disorders.
  • Low molecular-weight compounds can activate the Nrf2-ARE pathway.

Conclusions:

  • Compounds activating the Nrf2-ARE pathway are potential therapeutic agents for brain diseases.
  • Targeting the Nrf2-ARE pathway offers a novel approach to managing oxidative stress in neurological conditions.
  • Further research into these compounds could lead to new treatments for debilitating brain disorders.
Keywords:
brain disorderneurodegenerative diseaseoxidative stress

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