Nrf2, an Essential Component of Cellular Stress Response, as a Potential Target of Hormetic Phytochemicals

Abstract

Living organisms have evolved ubiquitous mechanisms to manage a vast multitude of stressors and noxious conditions. Although Nrf2 mainly plays a major role in cellular antioxidant defence, results from recent studies have highlighted its ubiquitous roles in cellular cytoprotection including anti-inflammatory function. As oxidative stress and inflammatory tissue damage are two major culprits in the pathogenesis of the majority of malignancies and other disorders, Nrf2 is recognized as a potential preventive target. Some chemoprotective and chemopreventive phytochemicals are capable of activating Nrf2 signaling, thereby fortifying cellular defence capacity.