Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor in Asthma Disease: From Signaling Pathway to Therapeutic Targeting

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) is a transcription activator factor of cellular protection genes, which binds to the antioxidant response element (ARE) and protects tissues and cells from oxidative stress. Lungs have a particular susceptibility to factors generating oxidative stress, including hyperoxia, infections, and allergens. Oxidative stress and successive Nrf2 activations have been reported in numerous human respiratory ailments impacting the airways, such as asthma. A number of compounds have been recognized as inducers of Nrf2, as they enhance the Nrf2 activation and boost the expression of genes dependent on Nrf2. Various animal models have demonstrated that Nrf2 inducers are particularly efficient in decreasing the severity of lung injuries induced by oxidative stress in asthma. It has been speculated that a flaw in antioxidant responses exacerbates asthma severity. Nevertheless, this speculation has been challenging to prove with certainty. Novel therapeutic options must be developed for asthma treatment. The present study investigated the impact of the Nrf2 pathways on the pathogenesis of asthma. It examined the potential of Nrf2 activation in epithelial lung cells as a novel therapeutic target for decreasing susceptibility to asthma.