School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA.
Cells. 2022 Sep 28;11(19):3042. doi: 10.3390/cells11193042.
Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor, controls the expression of more than 1000 genes that can be clustered into different categories with distinct functions ranging from redox balance and metabolism to protein quality control in the cell. The biological consequence of Nrf2 activation can be either protective or detrimental in a context-dependent manner. In the cardiovascular system, most studies have focused on the protective properties of Nrf2, mainly as a key transcription factor of antioxidant defense. However, emerging evidence revealed an unexpected role of Nrf2 in mediating cardiovascular maladaptive remodeling and dysfunction in certain disease settings. Herein we review the role of Nrf2 in cardiovascular diseases with a focus on vascular disease. We discuss the negative effect of Nrf2 on the vasculature as well as the potential underlying mechanisms. We also discuss the clinical relevance of targeting Nrf2 pathways for the treatment of cardiovascular and other diseases.
核因子红细胞 2 相关因子 2（Nrf2）是一种转录因子，它控制着超过 1000 种基因的表达，这些基因可以分为不同的类别，具有不同的功能，从细胞内的氧化还原平衡和代谢到蛋白质质量控制。Nrf2 激活的生物学后果在依赖于上下文的方式下可能是保护性的，也可能是有害的。在心血管系统中，大多数研究都集中在 Nrf2 的保护特性上，主要作为抗氧化防御的关键转录因子。然而，新出现的证据揭示了 Nrf2 在介导心血管疾病适应不良重塑和功能障碍方面的意外作用。本文综述了 Nrf2 在心血管疾病中的作用，重点是血管疾病。我们讨论了 Nrf2 对血管的负面影响以及潜在的机制。我们还讨论了针对 Nrf2 途径治疗心血管和其他疾病的临床相关性。
