Research progress of nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 in acute lung injury

Abstract

The anti-oxidant stress of the body is mainly mediated by the transcription factor nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2). Nrf2 can promote cell protective gene expression. Nrf2 plays an important role in regulating the oxidative stress, the metabolism of toxic substances, the inflammation, the apoptosis, and the physiological functions of cells. Multiple studies have shown that the activation of Nrf2 alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation, plays an important role in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS), and is expected to be potential targets for the prevention and treatment of ALI/ARDS. In this article we review the importance of Nrf2 and its activation pathway in preventing and treating ALI/ARDS for the aim of understanding its functional mechanism in ALI/ARDS, and providing a reliable reference for the pathogenesis and treatment of ALI/ARDS.