Therapeutic role of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) in liver disorders Grewal Ajmer Singh1, Thapa Komal1, Bansal Anil2, Deepshikha2, Sharma Neelam2, Singh Sukhbir2,* 1Chitkara University School of Basic Sciences, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh, India 2Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India *Corresponding Author E-mail: sukhbir.singh@chitkara.edu.in
Online published on 16 September, 2020. Abstract The progression of liver disease involves the most crucial pathogenic events; oxidative stress and inflammation. Nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) has been regarded as the master regulator of gene expression that are involved in cellular protection via exerting antioxidant, cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Numerous compounds have been tested as Nrf2 activators including natural (resveratrol, epigallocatechin-3 and curcumin) as well as synthetic compounds (bardoxolone methyl, oltipraz and anethole dithiol ethione) that prevent interaction of Nrf2 with Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) due to modification in cysteine sulfhydryl groups of Keap1. The current review demonstrates the function of Nrf2 in various liver diseases; acute liver failure, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and also holds recent studies for the identification of novel drug upregulating Nrf2. There is no approved treatment for liver diseases. Currently oltipraz which is an activator of Nrf2 is in Phase III clinical evaluation for NAFLD; more preclinical and clinical evaluation of drugs as Nrf2 activators is still needed to develop a new treatment strategy for liver disorders. Top Keywords Acute liver injury, Alcoholic liver disease (ALD), Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Nrf2 activators, Oxidative stress. Top |