Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 17, 2025

Visualization of SARS-CoV-2 using Immuno RNA-Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization
05:23

Visualization of SARS-CoV-2 using Immuno RNA-Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization

Published on: December 23, 2020

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The Nrf2 Activator (DMF) and Covid-19: Is there a Possible Role?

Saif M Hassan1, Mahmood J Jawad1, Salam W Ahjel1

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, of Al-Zahrawi University College, Karbala, Iraq.

Medical Archives (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
|June 25, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Nrf2 activators, like DMF, show promise in treating COVID-19 by reducing lung damage. These compounds help inhibit viral entry and boost antioxidant defenses, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for patients.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Virology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • COVID-19, a severe respiratory illness, targets ACE2 receptors in various tissues.
  • Viral S-protein binding to ACE2 disrupts antiviral mediators and activates inflammatory pathways.
  • Nrf2 is a transcription factor crucial for generating antioxidant enzymes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of Nrf2 activators in treating COVID-19 patients.
  • To establish the role of Nrf2 activators in mitigating lung alveolar cell damage.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic analysis of published research on COVID-19 and its pharmacological aspects.
  • Review of clinical trial data involving Nrf2 activators, specifically DMF, in COVID-19 patients.

Main Results:

  • Nrf2 activators reduce viral pathogenesis by inhibiting viral entry (e.g., suppressing TMPRSS2).
  • They upregulate ACE2, creating competitive binding sites for the virus, and induce antiviral mediators (RIG-1, INFs).
  • Nrf2 activators inhibit inflammatory pathways (NF-κB), apoptosis, and TLR gene expression while boosting antioxidant enzymes.

Conclusions:

  • Nrf2 activators, such as DMF, demonstrate efficacy in reducing lung alveolar cell damage in COVID-19 patients.
  • These findings support the use of Nrf2 activators as a therapeutic strategy against COVID-19.
Keywords:
ACE2NF-κBNrf2 activatorsRIG-1ROSnCOVID-19

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