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The Regulatory Effect of Phytochemicals on Chronic Diseases by Targeting Nrf2-ARE Signaling Pathway

Wen-Jiang He1,2, Cheng-Hao Lv3, Zhong Chen1

  • 1College of Food Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China.

Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 25, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Natural phytochemicals activate Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) to combat oxidative stress and chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. Targeting Nrf2 offers promising therapeutic strategies for disease prevention and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Redox balance is critical for normal metabolism; its disruption leads to chronic diseases including diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, cancer, and aging.
  • Oxidative stress is a key pathological process that exacerbates chronic diseases.
  • Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation is linked to ameliorating chronic diseases by regulating antioxidant and pathological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms by which natural phytochemicals activate Nrf2 for chronic disease prevention and treatment.
  • To explore the role of Nrf2 activation in regulating oxidative stress.
  • To summarize clinical trials on Nrf2-targeted phytochemical drug discovery and analyze their outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on Nrf2 activation by natural phytochemicals.
  • Analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defense.
  • Summary and analysis of current clinical trial data for phytochemical-based Nrf2-ARE pathway targeting.

Main Results:

  • Nrf2 activation by natural phytochemicals demonstrates potential in mitigating oxidative stress and associated pathological processes.
  • Phytochemicals can modulate Nrf2 to regulate antioxidant genes and genes involved in chronic disease pathogenesis.
  • Clinical trials show promise, but defined mechanisms of phytochemical Nrf2 activation require further elucidation.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the Nrf2 pathway with natural phytochemicals holds significant therapeutic potential for preventing and treating a wide range of chronic diseases.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action and optimize phytochemical-based drug discovery.
  • Future strategies should focus on advancing clinical applications and understanding the intricate relationship between phytochemicals, Nrf2, and chronic disease outcomes.
Keywords:
Nrf2-ARE pathwaychemopreventionchronic diseasephytochemicals

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