Title:Contribution of NRF2 in Gastrointestinal Protection from Oxidative Injury
Volume: 24
Issue: 18
Author(s): Akinori Yanaka*
Affiliation:
- Hitachi Medical Education and Research Center, University of Tsukuba Hospital, Division of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8575,Japan
Keywords:
nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, oxidative stress, gastrointestinal tract, Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with
CNC homology-associated protein 1, antioxidant systems.
Abstract: The human gastrointestinal tract is exposed to a variety of toxic agents, such as Helicobacter pylori
(H.pylori), Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), gastric acid, enteric pathogenic bacteria, excessive
auto immune reactions, and chronic mental stresses. These stressors generate free radicals within the gastrointestinal
tissues, causing chronic inflammatory diseases, ulcers, cancers, and functional disturbances. Recent studies
have demonstrated that some natural food compounds upregulate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-
mediated antioxidant system, ameliorating or preventing these disorders. We have previously shown that dietary
intake of sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprouts, ameliorates gastric inflammation induced by H. pylori, prevents
NSAIDs-induced small intestinal injury, and improve functional constipation. There have been many other compounds,
which enhance the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-mediated antioxidant system, sufficient
evidence for their clinical efficacy has not yet been provided. In addition, we have to pay attention to some reports,
which have shown that excessive stimulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 enhance
chemoresistance and facilitates growth of cancer cells.
