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Clinical Research Progress of Small Molecule Compounds Targeting Nrf2 for Treating Inflammation-Related Diseases

Zhenzhen Zhai1, Yanxin Huang1, Yawei Zhang1

  • 1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.

Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 26, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation shows promise in treating inflammatory diseases like COVID-19 and Alzheimer's. Small molecule compounds targeting Nrf2 are advancing in clinical trials for various conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Inflammation is a key factor in numerous diseases, including COVID-19, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, lupus, and liver damage.
  • Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a critical transcription factor involved in cellular defense mechanisms.
  • Emerging research highlights a significant link between Nrf2 activation and combating inflammation-related diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current research status of small molecule compounds targeting Nrf2.
  • To focus on compounds that have entered clinical trials for specific inflammatory conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific studies and clinical trial data.
  • Analysis of small molecule compounds designed to activate Nrf2.
  • Focus on therapeutic applications for COVID-19, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, lupus erythematosus, and liver injury.

Main Results:

  • Several small molecule compounds targeting Nrf2 are currently undergoing clinical investigation.
  • These Nrf2-targeting compounds show potential for treating a range of inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.
  • The clinical progress indicates a growing therapeutic interest in Nrf2 modulation.

Conclusions:

  • Nrf2 activation represents a promising therapeutic strategy for managing diverse inflammatory diseases.
  • Small molecule Nrf2 activators are advancing through clinical trials, suggesting their potential clinical utility.
  • Further research and clinical development are crucial for realizing the full therapeutic benefits of Nrf2-targeted therapies.
Keywords:
Alzheimer’s diseaseCOVID-19Nrf2Parkinson’s diseaseclinical researchinflammation-related diseasesliver damagelupus erythematosussmall molecule compounds

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