核因子E2相关因子2(nuclear factor E2 related factor 2, Nrf2)是诸多细胞信号通路中最重要的一种,是一种基础转录调节因子,主要编码表达多种重要的细胞保护因子,包括解毒酶、抗氧化蛋白、外排型转运体、抗凋亡蛋白、抗炎因子以及其他的应激反应因子。在肝脏或肾脏因外界条件造成损伤时,Nrf2通过调节细胞对毒物的代谢排泄、细胞凋亡以及在应激状态下细胞的抗炎抗氧化进程而发挥作用。对Nrf2在肝脏、肾脏损伤中的保护作用及其分子机制做一综述,以期为新药研发提供理论依据。

Multifaceted cell defense pathways play the critical role in the maintenance of homeostasis in life. The nuclear factor E2 related factor 2(Nrf2) pathway is one of the most important cytoprotective pathways, with Nrf2 serving as a master transcriptional regulator of the basal and inducible expression of a multitude of genes encoding detoxification enzymes, anti-oxidant proteins, xenobiotic transporters, anti-apoptotic proteins, anti-inflammatory cytokine and many other stress-response mediators. Liver and kidney injury, induced by some stimuli, could be repaired by the regulation of endogenous and exogenous stresses, apoptosis, inflammatory and oxidative stress. This review provides an update on the mechanism and highlights the beneficial role of Nrf2 which might be a new target of drug development in hepatoprotection and renal protection.

国家自然科学基金资助项目(81273580,81473280)