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ABSTRACT After the discovery of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents as treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration, the number of studies with the objective to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the age-re lated macular degeneration genesis has increased. The importance of the nuclear factor e2-related factor 2 lies in its activation-derived proteins being involved in the maintenance of the redox balance and consequent prevention of degenerative macular disease. This article aims to present the characteristics of nuclear factor e2-related factor 2 and describe the main nuclear factor e2-related factor 2-activated antioxidant enzymes that contribute to the preservation of vision.
RESUMO Após a descoberta do anti fator de crescimento en dotelial vascular no tratamento da degeneração macular relacionada à idade úmida, muitas pesquisas têm sido realizadas com o intuito de elucidar os mecanismos moleculares envolvidos na gênese da degeneração macular relacionada à idade. O fator nuclear eritroide 2 relacionado ao fator 2 destaca-se pelo fato de diversas proteínas, oriundas de sua ativação, estarem envolvidas na manutenção do equilíbrio do estado redox e consequente prevenção da doença macular degenerativa. Este artigo mostra as características do fator nuclear eritroide 2 relacionado ao fator 2 e descreve as principais enzimas antioxidantes originadas da ativação que contribuem para a preservação da visão.
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The incidence rate of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is increasing year by year China, and there is a gradual increase in disease burden among Chinese people. Oxidative stress response in hepatocytes is an important pathogenic mechanism of ALD. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway is an important endogenous anti-oxidative stress pathway in the body, and Nrf2 is activated in response to oxidative stress and exerts its transcriptional activity to induce high HO-1 expression. HO-1 is an important oxidative stress response protein and plays a role in anti-inflammation, anti- oxidation, and cell apoptosis regulation together with heme hydrolysis products (bilirubin, carbon monoxide, and iron). This article reviews the research advances in the role of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in ALD in recent years, so as to find a theoretical basis for the development and progression of ALD and an entry point for treatment.
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Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of Dange Jiecheng decoction on a rat model of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and the anti-oxidative stress mechanism of Dange Jiecheng decoction. Methods A total of 96 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into blank group with 13 rats and ALD group with 83 rats, and the rats in the ALD group were given liquor by gavage to establish a model of ALD. Then the ALD group was randomly divided into model group, high-dose Dange Jiecheng decoction group (24 g/kg), low-dose Dange Jiecheng decoction group (6 g/kg), and Yiganling tablet group (21 mg/kg), with 17 rats in each group. The rats in the blank group and the model group were given normal saline by gavage, and those in the other groups were given corresponding drugs by gavage, for 4 consecutive weeks. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissue; Western blot was used to measure the contents of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in liver tissue; quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of Keap1 and HO-1 in liver tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t -test was used for further comparison between two groups. Results Compared with the blank group, the model group had disordered arrangement of hepatocytes with necrosis, massive inflammatory cell infiltration, and a large number of lipid droplet vacuoles, significant increases in the protein and mRNA expression levels of Keap1 ( P < 0.05), and significant reductions in the protein expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 and the mRNA expression level of HO-1 ( P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the high- and low-dose Dange Jiecheng decoction groups and the Yiganling tablet group had ordered arrangement of hepatocytes, reductions in hepatocyte necrosis and inflammatory cells, and occasional lipid droplet vacuoles, as well as significant reductions in the protein and mRNA expression levels of Keap1 ( P < 0.05) and significant increases in the protein expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 and the mRNA expression level of HO-1 ( P < 0.05). Conclusion By regulating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway, Dange Jiecheng decoction can promote the nuclear import of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of HO-1, and alleviate oxidative stress response, thereby exerting a protective effect on ALD rats.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of safranal against sepsis-related liver injury （SRLI） induced by lipopolysaccharide （LPS） in mice and its mechanism. MethodsA total of 32 experimental male C57BL/6 mice were divided into control group， single drug group， model group， and treatment group using the simple random method， with 8 mice in each group. The mice in the single drug group and the treatment group were intraperitoneally injected with safranal （60 mg/kg） for 7 days of pretreatment， and the mice in the model group and the treatment group were intraperitoneally injected with LPS （10 mg/kg） to induce acute liver injury. The activities of serum alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） were measured； HE staining was used to observe liver tissue sections； immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the expression of the downstream protein heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1） in the signal pathway； TUNEL was used to analyze the apoptosis of hepatocytes； Western blot was used to measure the expression of total proteins （nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 ［Nrf-2］ and HO-1） in liver tissue. The human liver cell line L02 was pretreated with safranal （100 μmol/L）， followed by induction of acute hepatocellular injury with LPS （100 ng/mL）， and DCFH-DA fluorescent labeling was used to detect reactive oxygen species （ROS）. ResultsAfter safranal pretreatment， the treatment group had significantly lower levels of ALT and AST than the model group （both P<0.001）， with a relatively intact pseudolobular structure and a smaller necrotic area in the liver. Compared with the model group， the treatment group had significant increases in the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 in liver tissue after safranal+LPS treatment （both P<0.001）， and immunohistochemistry showed that safranal pretreatment increased the number of HO-1-positive cells. In the cell model of LPS-induced acute liver injury， the treatment group had a significant reduction in the production of ROS compared with the model group. ConclusionSafranal can exert a protective effect against SRLI induced by LPS in mice through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
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Objective:To evaluate the role of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway in edaravone-induced attenuation of long-term cognitive impairment caused by long-time sedation with propofol in the neonatal rats.Methods:Eighty SPF healthy newborn Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes, aged 7 days, weighing 15-20 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=20 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), propofol group (group P), edaravone+ propofol group (group EP) and Nrf2 inhibitor ML385+ edaravone+ propofol group (group MEP). Propofol 75 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected once a day for 7 consecutive days in P group, EP group and MEP group, respectively, while the equal volume of medium/long chain fat emulsion injection was intraperitoneally injected in C group. Edaravone 3 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 30 min before each propofol injection in EP and MEP groups, and ML385 15 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected simultaneously in group MEP. The spontaneous activity was evaluated by the open field test on day 29 after birth, and the cognitive function was assessed by Morris water maze test on days 30-34 after birth. The rats were sacrificed after the end of water maze test, and brains were removed and hippocampal tissues were obtained for determination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (by flow cytometry), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 (by Western blot) and for microscopic examination of the pathological changes in the hippocampal CA1 area (using HE staining). Results:There was no significant difference in the speed, distance and time of stay at the center of the open field among the four groups ( P>0.05). Compared with C group, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform quadrant was reduced, the levels of MDA and ROS were increased, the activity of SOD was decreased, the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological injury was observed in the hippocampal CA1 region in group P. Compared with P group, the escape latency was significantly shortened, the number of crossing the original platform quadrant was increased, the levels of MDA and ROS in the hippocampus were decreased, the activity of SOD was increased, the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological injury in the hippocampal CA1 region was significantly alleviated in EP group. Compared with EP group, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform quadrant was reduced, the levels of MDA and ROS were increased, the activity of SOD was decreased, the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological injury was aggravated in the hippocampal CA1 region in MEP group. Conclusions:The mechanism by which edaravone attenuates long-term cognitive impairment caused by long-time sedation with propofol is related to activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and inhibition of oxidative stress in the neonatal rats.
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Objective:To evaluate the role of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPX4) signaling pathway-mediated ferroptosis in midazolam-induced reduction of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) in neonatal rats.Methods:Ninety healthy 7-day-old neonatal rats, weighing 16-20 g, were divided into 6 groups ( n=15 each) using the random number table method: sham operation group (Sham group), HIBD group, low-dose midazolam (10 mg/kg) group (group L), medium-dose midazolam (20 mg/kg) group (group M), high-dose midazolam (40 mg/kg) group (group H), and Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 group (group I). The HIBD model was developed by ligating the left carotid artery and exposing to a hypoxic condition for 2 h in anesthetized animals. Starting from 2nd day after developing the model, the corresponding doses of midazolam were intraperitoneally injected in midazolam groups, the equal volume of normal saline was intraperitoneally injected in Sham and HIBD groups, midazolam 40 mg/kg and Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 30 mg/kg were intraperitoneally injected once a day for 8 consecutive days in group I. The rats were weighed and subjected to the Morris water maze test after the end of administration. Blood samples were taken from the abdominal aorta after the end of the Morris water maze test, and then the animals were sacrificed to remove the brain for determination of the concentrations of serum iron, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), contents of iron and GSH in hippocampal tissues (by ultraviolet spectrophotometry and micro method), the number of Nrf2/neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN) and GPX4/NeuN positive cells (by immunofluorescent staining), and expression of Nrf2, GPX4, and 4-hydroxynonaenoic acid (4-HNE) in hippocampal tissues and for microscopic examination of the pathological changes of hippocampal neurons in brain tissues (after HE staining and Nissl staining). Results:Compared with Sham group, the first time to arrival at platform was significantly prolonged, the number of crossing the origional platform was reduced, and the time of staying at the target quadrant was shortened, the iron content in the hippocampal tissues was increased, the content of GSH and the number of Nrf2/NeuN and GPX4/NeuN positive cells were decreased, the expression of Nrf2 and GPX4 was down-regulated, the expression of 4-HNE was up-regulated, the concentrations of serum iron, IL-6 and TNF-α were increased, and the injury to hippocampal neurons was marked in HIBD group ( P<0.05). Compared with HIBD group, the first time to arrival at platform was significantly shortened, the number of crossing the origional platform was increased, and the time of staying at the target quadrant was prolonged, the iron content in the hippocampus tissues was decreased, the content of GSH and the number of Nrf2/NeuN and GPX4/NeuN positive cells were increased, the expression of Nrf2 and GPX4 was up-regulated, the expression of 4-HNE was down-regulated, the concentrations of serum iron, IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased ( P<0.05), and the injury to hippocampal neurons was significantly reduced in H, M and L groups. Compared with group H, the first time to arrival at platform was significantly prolonged, the number of crossing the origional platform was reduced, and the time of staying at the target quadrant was shortened, the iron content in the hippocampus tissue was increased, the content of GSH and the number of Nrf2/NeuN and GPX4/NeuN positive cells were decreased, the expression of Nrf2 and GPX4 was down-regulated, the expression of 4-HNE was up-regulated, the concentrations of serum iron, IL-6 and TNF-α were increased ( P<0.05), and the injury to hippocampal neurons was aggravated in group I. Conclusions:The mechanism by which midazolam reduces HIBD may be related to activation of the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway and inhibition of hippocampal neuronal ferroptosis in neonatal rats.
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Objective:To evaluate the relationship between nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and ferroptosis during lung ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in rats.Methods:Fifty-four healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 220-250 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=18 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (Sham group), lung I/R group (IR group), and lung I/R+ Nrf2 agonist sulforaphane group (IR+ SFP group). Lung I/R model was developed by clamping the left pulmonary hilum for 60 min followed by 120 min of reperfusion.In IR+ SFP group, SFP 500 μg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 3 days before lung ischemia once a day for 3 consecutive days, and the model was developed at 2 h after the end of administration.The rats were sacrificed at the end of reperfusion, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected to determine the protein concentration (using bicinchoninic acid method), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The animals were then sacrificed, and lung tissue specimens were harvested for microscopic examination of the pathological changes (with a transmission electron microscope) and for determination of wet/dry weight (W/D) ratio, contents of iron, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) (by chemical colorimetric) and expression of nuclear Nrf2, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) (by Western blot). Results:Compared with Sham group, the concentrations of protein, IL-6 and TNF-α in BALF, W/D ratio, and contents of Fe 2+ and MDA were significantly increased, GSH content was decreased, GPX4 expression was down-regulated, the expression of nuclear Nrf2and ACSL4 was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the mitochondrial morphology of type Ⅱalveolar epithelial cells showed the characteristic changes of ferroptosis, including the presence of smaller mitochondria and reduced cristae in IR group.Compared with IR group, the concentrations of protein, IL-6 and TNF-α in BALF, W/D ratio, and contents of Fe 2+ and MDA were significantly decreased, GSH content was increased, the expression of nuclear Nrf2 and GPX4 expression was up-regulated, ACSL4 expression was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological changes of lung tissues were significantly attenuated in IR+ SFP group. Conclusions:Nrf2 can inhibit ferroptosis during lung I/R and is involved in the endogenous protective mechanism in rats.
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Objective:To evaluate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hypoxia postconditioning-induced activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway in rat cardiomyocytes.Methods:Primary cardiomyocytes of adult rats were isolated and cultured and divided into 4 groups ( n=20 each) using a random number table method: normal group (group N), hypoxia-reoxygenation group (group HR), hypoxia postconditioning group (group HPO) and hypoxia postconditioning plus an ROS scavenger N-(2-Amidinopropionyl)-glycine (MPG) group (group HPO+ MPG). Cells were exposed to hypoxia for 45 min followed by 60 min reoxygenation to develop the cardiomyocyte hypoxia-reoxygenation injury model.In HPO group, cells were subjected to 3 cycles of 5-min hypoxia/5-min reoxygenation after 45 min hypoxia, followed by reoxygenation for 60 min.In HPO+ MPG group, MPG (final concentration 2 mmol/L) was added at 35 min of hypoxia, cells were subjected to hypoxia for 10 min, and the other treatments were similar to those previously described in group HPO.At the end of reoxygenation, the intracellular calcium level and Nrf2 activity were measured, the ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes was observed, and the Flameng score of mitochondria was assessed, and the expression of Nrf2, NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein and mRNA was detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Results:Compared with group N, the intracellular free Ca 2+ level, Nrf2 activity and Flameng score were significantly increased, and the expression of Nrf2, NQO1, SOD1 and HO-1 protein and mRNA was down-regulated in group HR ( P<0.05). Compared with group HR, the intracellular free Ca 2+ level and Flameng score were significantly decreased, the Nrf2 activity was increased, and the expression of Nrf2, NQO1, SOD1 and HO-1 protein and mRNA was up-regulated in group HPO ( P<0.05). Compared with group HPO, the intracellular free Ca 2+ level and Flameng score were significantly increased, the Nrf2 activity was decreased, and the expression of Nrf2, NQO1, SOD1 and HO-1 protein and mRNA was down-regulated in group HPO+ MPG ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The mechanism by which hypoxia postconditioning activates the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in rat cardiomyocytes may be related to ROS.
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Objective:To evaluate the effects of hydrogen-rich saline on acute lung injury in rats with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway.Methods:Forty-eight adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 220-250 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (S group), TBI group (T group), TBI plus hydrogen-rich saline group (T+ H group), and TBI plus hydrogen-rich saline plus brusatol group (T+ H+ B group). TBI model was developed by controlled cortical impact.Nrf2 inhibitor brusatol 0.4 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected every other day starting from 10 days before development of TBI model in T+ H+ B group.Hydrogen-rich fluid 10 ml/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 1 and 6 h after development of TBI model in T+ H group and T+ H+ B group.At 24 h after development of TBI model, the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected to detect the concentration of protein, blood samples from the right common carotid artery were collected and lung tissues were obtained for determination of the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) in serum and lung tissues (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), wet to dry lung weight ratio (W/D ratio), expression of nuclear-Nrf2, total-Nrf2 and HO-1 in lung tissues (by Western blot), and expression of HO-1 mRNA (by real-time polymerase chain reaction) and for microscopic examination of histopathologic changes (by haematoxylin and eosin staining) which were scored. Results:Compared with S group, the concentrations of protein in BALF, W/D ratio of lung tissues and lung injury score were significantly increased, the levels of TNF-α, HMGB1 and IL-10 in serum and lung tissues were increased, and the expression of nuclear Nrf2, total Nrf2 and HO-1 protein and mRNA in lung tissues was up-regulated in T and T+ H groups ( P<0.05). Compared with T group, the concentrations of protein in BALF, W/D ratio of lung tissues and lung injury score were significantly decreased, the levels of TNF-α and HMGB1 in serum and lung tissues were decreased, the level of IL-10 in serum and lung tissues was increased, and the expression of nuclear Nrf2, total Nrf2 and HO-1 protein and mRNA in lung tissues was up-regulated in T+ H group ( P<0.05), and no significant changes were found in the parameters mentioned above in T+ H+ B group ( P>0.05). Compared with T+ H group, the concentrations of protein in BALF, W/D ratio of lung tissues and lung injury score were significantly increased, the levels of TNF-α and HMGB1 in serum and lung tissues were increased, the level of IL-10 in serum and lung tissues was decreased, and the expression of nuclear Nrf2, total Nrf2 and HO-1 protein and mRNA in lung tissues was down-regulated in T+ H+ B group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Hydrogen-rich solution can alleviate acute lung injury in rats with traumatic brain injury, and the mechanism is related to activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and inhibition of the inflammatory responses.
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Objective:To evaluate the role of adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor E2-associated factor 2 (AMPK/p38 MAPK/Nrf2) pathway in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in diabetic rats.Methods:Clean-grade healthy Sprague-Dawley male rats, aged 2-3 months, weighing 220-280 g, were fed with a high fat diet, and 1% streptozotocin 50 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected for 4 consecutive days to develop the model of diabetes mellitus.Thirty diabetic rats were divided into 3 groups ( n=10 each) using the random number table method: sham operation group (sham group), myocardial I/R group (I/R group), and AMPK inhibitor compound C+ myocardial I/R group (C+ I/R group). The model of myocardial I/R injury was developed by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min followed by 120 min reperfusion.Compound C 0.5 mg/kg was injected via the caudal vein at 30 min before ischemia in C+ I/R group, while the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in Sham group and I/R group.At 120 min of reperfusion, the percentage of myocardial infarct size was calculated, the serum concentrations of creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in myocardial tissues were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression of AMPK, phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK), phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK), Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in myocardium was determined by Western blot. Results:Compared with Sham group, the percentage of myocardial infarct size and serum CK-MB and LDH levels were significantly increased, the levels of GSH and SOD in myocardial tissues were decreased, ROS level was increased, and the expression of AMPK, p-AMPK, p-p38 MAPK, Nrf2 and HO-1 was up-regulated in I/R group ( P<0.05). Compared with I/R group, the percentage of myocardial infarct size and serum CK-MB and LDH levels were significantly increased, the levels of GSH and SOD in myocardial tissues were decreased, ROS level was increased, and the expression of AMPK, Nrf2 and HO-1 was down-regulated in C+ I/R group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:AMPK/p38 MAPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway is involved in the mechanism of endogenous antioxidant stress during myocardial I/R in diabetic rats.
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Purpose: To investigate the role of peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase 1 (Pin1) on renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and underlying mechanism. Methods: By establishing the in vitro and in vivo models of renal I/R, the role of Pin1 was explored by using molecular assays. Results: In renal I/R, endogenous Pin1 level was up-regulated in I/R-impaired kidney. Suppression of Pin1 with juglone afforded protection against I/R-mediated kidney dysfunction, and reduced I/R-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in vivo. Consistent with the in vivo results, repression of Pin1 with juglone or gene knockdown with si-Pin1 conferred cytoprotection and restricted hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-driven ER stress in HK-2 cells. Simultaneously, further study uncovered that Nrf-2/HO-1 signals was the association between Pin1 and ER stress in response to renal I/R. In addition, Nrf-2/HO-1 signal pathway was inactivated after kidney exposed to I/R, as indicated by the down-regulation of Nrf-2/HO-1 levels. Furthermore, inhibition of Pin1 remarkably rescued the inactivation ofNrf-2/HO-1. Conclusions: Pin1 modulated I/R-mediated kidney injury in ER stress manner dependent on Nrf2-HO-1 pathway in I/R injury.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rats , Heme Oxygenase-1 , NF-E2-Related Factor 2/analysis , NIMA-Interacting Peptidylprolyl Isomerase/analysis , Ischemia/veterinary , Reperfusion/veterinary , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Endoplasmic Reticulum StressABSTRACT
Purpose: To evaluate the ameliorative effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on acetic acid colitis model via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in rats. Methods: In this study, 30 rats were divided into three groups. Acute colitis was induced by rectal administration of 4% solution of acetic acid. MSCs were injected intraperitoneally in the treatment group. Results: Increased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), pentraxin-3, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in colitis group were revealed biochemically. Increased level of TNF-α and decreased levels of Nrf2 and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were observed in rectum tissues. Increased fibrous tissue proliferation, vascularization and inflammatory cell infiltration were described in the colitis group. Significant improvement was observed in MSCs treated group histopathologically. Increased immunopositivity of TNF-α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD68 markers was observed in the colitis group cells, and decreased level of this positivity was observed in MSCs treated group. Conclusions: Biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical results strongly support the ameliorative effect of MSCs against acetic induced colitis model via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in rats.
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Colitis/veterinary , Acetic Acid/adverse effects , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/physiology , NF-E2-Related Factor 2 , Mesenchymal Stem CellsABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the effect of hydrogen-rich saline on serine threonine protein kinase (Akt) /nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway during hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury to human renal tubular epithelial cells.Methods:Human renal tubular epithelial cell line were seeded in 96-well plates at a density of 1.5×10 4 cells/ml (200 μl/well) or in 6-well plates at a density of 2×10 5 cells/ml (2 ml/well) were divided into 5 groups( n=30 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), hydrogen-rich group (group H), group H/R, H/R plus hydrogen-rich saline group (group H/R+ H) and H/R plus hydrogen-rich saline plus Akt inhibitor uprosertib group (group H/R+ H+ U) .In group C, the cells were incubated for 28 h in an incubator filled with normoxia at 37 ℃ (5%CO 2-21%O 2-74%N 2). In group H, cells were added to the medium containing 0.6 mmol/L hydrogen-rich saline, and then incubated for 28 h in an incubator filled with normoxia at 37 ℃.In group H/R, the cells were incubated in an anaerobic chamber (37 ℃, 5%CO 2-1%O 2-94 %N 2) for 24 h, and then incubated for 4 h in an incubator filled with normoxia at 37 ℃.In group H/R+ H, the cells were incubated in an anaerobic chamber for 24 h, and then incubated for 4 h in an incubator containing 0.6 mmol/L filled with normoxia at 37 ℃.In group H/R+ H+ U, the cells were incubated for 1 h in the culture medium containing uprosertib 10 μmol/L (final concentration) and the other treatments were similar to those previously described in group H/R+ H. After treatment in each group, the cell viability was measured by MTT assay, cell apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was measured using xanthine oxidase method), malondialdehyde (MDA) content was detected by thiobarbituric acid method, the expression of Akt, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), total Nrf2, nuclear Nrf2 and activated caspase-3 was detected by Western blot, and the expression of Nrf2 mRNA was detected by Real-time PCR. Results:Compared with group C, the cell viability and activity of SOD were significantly decreased, the apoptosis rate and content of MDA were increased, and the expression of p-Akt, nuclear Nrf2, total Nrf2, activated caspase-3 protein and Nrf2 mRNA was up-regulated in group H/R and group H/R+ H ( P<0.05). Compared with group H/R, the cell viability and activity of SOD were significantly increased, the apoptosis rate and content of MDA were decreased, the expression of p-Akt, nuclear Nrf2, total Nrf2 and Nrf2 mRNA was up-regulated and expression of activated caspase-3 protein was down-regulated in group H/R+ H ( P<0.05). Compared with group H/R+ H, the cell viability and activity of SOD was significantly decreased, the apoptosis rate and content of MDA were increased, the expression of p-Akt, nuclear Nrf2, total Nrf2 protein and Nrf2m RNA was down-regulated, and the expression of activated caspase-3 protein was up-regulated in group H/R+ H+ U ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The mechanism by which hydrogen-rich saline attenuates H/R injury to human renal tubular epithelial cells is related to improving activation of Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway, decreasing oxidative stress response and inhibiting cell apoptosis.
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Objective:To evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment on oxidative stress response of hippocampus in rats with sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) and the relationship with nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathway.Methods:A total of 64 healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 250-300 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=16 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (Sham group), SAE group, SAE+ EA group and SAE plus sham EA group (SAE+ SEA group). In SAE+ EA group, Baihui, Quchi and Zusanli acupoints were stimulated for 30 min once a day for 5 consecutive days.Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture immediately after the end of the last EA.At 1 and 7 days after establishment of the model, the hippocampal malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the expression of hippocampal Nrf2 mRNA was detected using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was determined by Western blot.At 3-7 days after establishment of the model, cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze test, and the escape latency and the target quadrant exploration time were recorded. Results:Compared with Sham group, the content of MDA was significantly increased and the activity of SOD was decreased at 1 and 7 days after establishment of the model, the expression of Nrf2 protein and mRNA and HO-1 was down-regulated at day 7 after establishment of the model, the escape latency was prolonged, and the target quadrant exploration time was shortened in SAE group ( P<0.05). Compared with SAE group, the content of MDA was significantly decreased and the activity of SOD was increased at 1 and 7 days after establishment of the model, the expression of Nrf2 protein and mRNA and HO-1 was up-regulated at day 7 after establishment of the model, the escape latency was shortened, and the target quadrant exploration time was prolonged in group SAE+ EA ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group SAE+ SEA ( P>0.05). Conclusion:EA pretreatment can reduce oxidative stress response of hippocampus in rats with SAE, and the mechanism may be related to activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
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Objective:To evaluate the role of nuclear factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway in atorvastatin-induced reduction of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice.Methods:Twenty-four healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 18-22 g, were divide into 4 groups ( n=6 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (S group), intestinal I/R group (I/R group), atorvastatin group (ATV group) and atorvastatin+ Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 group (AM group). Intestinal I/R was produced by occlusion of superior mesenteric artery for 45 min followed by reperfusion.In ATV and AM groups, atorvastatin 10 mg/kg was given by gavage for 3 consecutive days daily at 3 day before establishment of the model, while the equal volume of normal saline was given by gavage in S and I/R groups.Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 30 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 1 h before establishment of the model in group AM.The mice were sacrificed at 2 h of reperfusion, and intestine tissues were obtained for examination of the pathological changes of intestinal tissues (with a light microscope) which were scored according to Chiu, for determination of wet/dry weight ratio (W/D ratio), for detection of the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) (by xanthine oxidase method and thiobarbituric acid condensation method) and for determination of the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 (by Western blot). Results:Compared with S group, the Chiu score, W/D ratio and MDA content were significantly increased, the activity of SOD was decreased, and the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was up-regulated in the other 3 groups ( P<0.05). Compared with the group I/R, the Chiu score, W/D ratio and MDA content were significantly decreased, the SOD activity was increased, and the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological changes were significantly attenuated in group ATV, and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in AM group ( P>0.05). Compared with the group ATV, the Chiu score, W/D ratio and MDA content were significantly increased, the SOD activity was decreased, the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was decreased ( P<0.05), and the pathological changes were significantly aggravated in group AM. Conclusion:The mechanism by which atorvastatin reduces intestinal I/R injury is related to activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in mice.
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Objective:To evaluate the role of silencing information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factors E2-related factor2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway in berberine-induced reduction of renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice.Methods:Thirty SPF healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 18-22 g, were divided into 5 groups ( n=6 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (S group), renal I/R group (RIR group), berberine+ I/R group (B group), berberine+ I/R+ SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 group (BE group) and berberine+ I/R+ Nrf2 inhibitor ATRA group (BA group). After the right kidney was removed, the left renal artery was clamped for 45 min followed by reperfusion to establish the model of renal I/R injury.In B, BE, and BA groups, berberine 100 mg·kg -1·d -1 was given for intragastric administration at 14 days before surgery.In group BE and group BA, EX527 5 mg·kg -1·d -1 and ATRA 10 mg·kg -1·d -1 were injected intraperitoneally at 3 days before surgery, respectively.The equal volume of normal saline was given for 14 consecutive days in group S and group RIR.Blood samples were collected from orbital vein at 24 h of reperfusion for measurement of serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) concentrations, for determination of the interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) contents (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and expression of SIRT1, Nrf2, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC), caspase-1, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor containing pyrin domain (NLRP3) (by Western blot) and for examination of the pathological changes of renal tubules (with a light microscope). The damage to the renal tubules was scored. Results:Compared with group S, the concentrations of serum Cr and BUN, the contents of renal IL-1β and TNF-α and renal tubular injury score were significantly increased in RIR, B, BE and BA groups, the expression of SIRT1, Nrf2, ASC, caspase-1 and NLRP3 was up-regulated in RIR, BE and BA groups, and the expression of SIRT1, Nrf2, caspase-1 and NLRP3 was up-regulated in group B ( P<0.05). Compared with group RIR, the concentrations of serum Cr and BUN, the contents of renal IL-1β and TNF-α and renal tubular injury score were significantly decreased in B, BE and BA groups, the expression of SIRT1 and Nrf2 in group B, Nrf2 and ASC in BE group and SIRT1, ASC and caspase-1 in BA group was up-regulated, and the expression of ASC, caspase-1 and NLRP3 in group B, SIRT1 and NLRP3 in BE group and Nrf2 in BA group was down-regulated ( P<0.05). Compared with group B, the serum concentrations of Cr and BUN, the contents of IL-1β and TNF-α and renal tubular injury score were significantly increased in BE and BA groups, the expression of ASC, caspase-1 and NLRP3 in BE and BA groups was up-regulated, and the expression of SIRT1 in BE and Nrf2 in BA groups was down-regulated ( P<0.05). Conclusion:SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway is involved in the process of berberine-induced reduction of renal I/R, which is related to inhibiting pyroptosis in mice.
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Objective:To evaluate the effect of chicoric acid on oxidative stress during myocardial injury in sepsis rats and the relationship with nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway.Methods:Forty healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 8-12 weeks, weighing 220-250 g, were divided into 5 groups ( n=8 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group (group LPS), LPS+ chicoric acid group (group LPS+ CA), LPS+ Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 group (group LPS+ ML) and LPS+ chicoric acid+ ML385 group (group LPS+ CA+ ML). LPS 15 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected to induce sepsis.Immediately after intraperitoneal injection of LPS, chicoric acid 10 mg/kg or ML385 15 mg/kg (in dimethyl sulfoxide) was intraperitoneally injected in group LPS+ CA and group LPS+ ML, respectively, and ML385 15 mg/kg and chicoric acid 10 mg/kg were intraperitoneally injected in LPS+ CA+ ML group.The equal volume of dimethyl sulfoxide was given instead in group C. At 48 h after establishment of the model, blood samples were collected from the aorta for measurement of concentration of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The animals were then sacrificed, and myocardial tissues were obtained for microscopic examination of pathological changes (by HE staining), for determination of activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and contents of reactive oxygen species(ROS) and iron (by colorimetry), for calculation of the ratio of oxidized nicotinamide adenine 2 nucleotides to reduced nicotinamide adenine 2 nucleotides (NAD + /NADH), and for detection of the expression of Nrf2, NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1 (NOX1) (by Western blot). Results:Compared with C group, the activities of serum LDH and CK-MB and concentration of IL-6 were significantly increased, the contents of ROS and iron and the ratio of NAD + /NADH were increased, activities of GSH-Px and SOD were decreased, expression of Nrf2, NQO1 and GPX4 was down-regulated, and NOX1 expression was up-regulated in the other four groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group LPS, the activities of serum LDH and CK-MB and concentration of IL-6 were significantly decreased, the contents of ROS and iron and the ratio of NAD + /NADH were decreased, activities of GSH-Px and SOD were increased, expression of Nrf2, NQO1 and GPX4 was up-regulated, NOX1 expression was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological changes of cardiomyocytes were significantly reduced in group LPS+ CA, and the activities of serum LDH and CK-MB and concentration of IL-6 were significantly increased, the ratio of NAD + /NADH were increased, activities of GSH-Px and SOD were decreased, expression of Nrf2, NQO1 and GPX4 was down-regulated, NOX1 expression was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological changes of cardiomyocytes were accentuated in group LPS+ ML.Compared with group LPS+ CA, the activities of serum LDH and CK-MB and concentration of IL-6 were significantly increased, the contents of ROS and iron and the ratio of NAD + /NADH were increased, activities of GSH-Px and SOD were decreased, expression of Nrf2, NQO1 and GPX4 was down-regulated, NOX1 expression was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological changes of cardiomyocytes were accentuated in group LPS+ CA+ ML. Conclusion:The mechanism by which chicoric acid reduces myocardial injury in sepsis rats may be related to activating Nrf2 signaling pathway and inhibiting oxidative stress.
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Objective:To evaluate the role of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and the relationship with ferroptosis in diabetic rats.Methods:Forty-eight SPF healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 200-220 g, were divided into 5 groups by a random number table method: sham operation group (group S, n=6), myocardial I/R group (group NIR, n=12), diabetes mellitus+ sham operation group (group DS, n=6), diabetes mellitus+ myocardial I/R group (group DIR, n=12) and diabetes mellitus+ myocardial I/R+ NRF2 agonist sulforaphane group (group DIR+ SFN, n=12). Type 1 diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 1% streptozotocin-citrate buffer 60 mg/kg.Sulforaphane 500 μg·kg -1·d -1 was injected intraperitoneally before ischemia for 3 consecutive days in group DIR+ SFN.At the 8th week after establishing the model, myocardial I/R was produced by occlusion of the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery for 30 min followed by reperfusion.At 2 h of reperfusion, the left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), HR, and the maximum rate of increase and decrease of left ventricular systolic pressure (±dp/dt max) were recorded.Blood samples were taken from the carotid artery and the animals were then sacrificed for determination of concentration of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in serum (using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), myocardial Fe 2+ and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (by colorimetry) and myocardial infarct size (using TTC) and for determination of expression of NRF2, ferroportin1 (FPN1) and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) (by Western blot), and the pathological changes of lung tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results:Compared with group S, LVSP, HR, and ±dp/dt max were significantly decreased, serum cTnI concentration and myocardial Fe 2+ and MDA contents were increased, SOD activity was decreased, expression of ACSL4 was up-regulated and expression of NRF2 and FPN1 was down-regulated in group NIR ( P<0.05). Compared with group DS, LVSP, HR, and ±dp/dt max were significantly decreased, serum cTnI concentration and myocardial Fe 2+ and MDA contents were increased, SOD activity was decreased, expression of ACSL4 was up-regulated and expression of NRF2 and FPN1 was down-regulated in group DIR ( P<0.05). Compared with group NIR, LVSP, HR, and ±dp/dt max were significantly decreased, serum cTnI concentration and myocardial Fe 2+ and MDA contents were increased, SOD activity was decreased, myocardial infarct size was increased, expression of ACSL4 was up-regulated and expression of NRF2 and FPN1 was down-regulated in group DIR ( P<0.05). Compared with group DIR, LVSP, HR, and ±dp/dt max were significantly increased, serum cTnI concentration and myocardial Fe 2+ and MDA contents were decreased, SOD activity was increased, myocardial infarct size was decreased, expression of ACSL4 was down-regulated and expression of NRF2 and FPN1 was up-regulated in group DIR+ SFN ( P<0.05). Conclusion:NRF2 is involved in the process of myocardial I/R injury, which is related to promoting ferroptosis in diabetic rats
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ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the role of Nrf2/HO-1 in renal histopathological ailments time-dependently in asphyxial cardiac arrest (CA) rat model. Methods Eighty-eight Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into five groups of eight rats each. Asphyxial CA was induced in all the experimental rats except for the sham group. The rats were sacrificed at 6 hours, 12 hours, one day and two days post-CA. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Crtn) and malondialdehyde from the renal tissues were evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining were done to evaluate the renal histopathological changes in the renal cortex. Furthermore, Nrf2/HO-1 immunohistochemistry (ihc) and western blot analysis were performed after CA. Results The survival rate of rats decreased in a time-dependent manner: 66.6% at 6 hours, 50% at 12 hours, 38.1% in one day, and 25.8% in two days. BUN and serum Crtn markedly increased in CA-operated groups. Histopathological ailments of the renal cortical tissues increased significantly from 6 hours until two days post-CA. Furthermore, Nrf2/HO-1 expression level significantly increased at 6 hours, 12 hours, and one day. Conclusions The survival rate decreased time-dependently, and Nrf/HO-1 expression increased from 6 hours with the peak times at 12 hours, and one day post-CA.
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Animals , Male , Rats , Acute Kidney Injury , Heart Arrest , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , NF-E2-Related Factor 2 , Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing) , KidneyABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the effects of Ginkgo biloba on regulating NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway in liver injury induced by coal-burning-borne endemic arsenic poisoning in rats.Methods:Group design method was adopted, according to body weight (80-100 g), a total of 30 Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (6 rats in each group, half males and half females) by random number table method. The normal control group was fed with normal diet ad libitum for 4.5 months; the Ginkgo biloba control group was fed with Ginkgo biloba (25 mg/kg, 6 d/week) for 1.5 months after normal feeding for 3 months; the drinking water arsenic poisoning group and the arsenic contaminated grain group were fed respectively with 100 mg/L arsenic trioxide (As 2O 3) solution and 100 mg/kg arsenic-containing feed for 3 months, and then fed with normal diet for 1.5 months; the Ginkgo biloba treatment group was fed with 100 mg/kg arsenic-containing feed for 3 months, and then was given Ginkgo biloba (25 mg/kg, 6 d/week) for 1.5 months. After sacrificing the animals, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), the activity of copper zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in serum were detected by thiobarbituric acid colorimetry, xanthine oxidase method and dimercaptodinitrobenzoic acid reduction method, respectively. The mRNA and protein expressions of indicator genes of Nrf2-Keap1-ARE signaling pathway in liver tissues were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Correlation between the indexes was analyzed by Pearson. Results:In drinking water arsenic poisoning group, arsenic contaminated grain group and Ginkgo biloba treatment group, the contents of MDA in serum were (3.54±0.51), (3.83±0.87) and (2.93±0.84) μmol/L, respectively, which were higher than that in normal control group [(1.85±0.36) μmol/L, P < 0.05]; and SOD1 activities [(68.21±4.37), (64.53±9.96), (73.09±5.43) U/ml] and GPx activities [(486.41±40.45), (458.24±42.25), (539.79±79.43) U/L] in serum were lower than those in normal control group [(81.47±5.73) U/ml, (747.86±80.33) U/L, P < 0.05]. Compared with the arsenic contaminated grain group, the content of MDA in serum in Ginkgo biloba treatment group was decreased, the activities of SOD1 and GPx in serum were increased ( P < 0.05). Compared with normal control group, the mRNA expressions of SOD1 and GPx1 in the liver tissues in drinking water arsenic poisoning group, arsenic contaminated grain group and Ginkgo biloba treatment group were significantly higher ( P < 0.05). Compared with arsenic contaminated grain group, the mRNA expressions of SOD1 and GPx1 in the liver tissue in Ginkgo biloba treatment group were increased ( P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the protein expression of SOD1 in liver tissue in arsenic contaminated grain group was decreased ( P < 0.05), the protein expressions of GPx1 were decreased in the liver tissues in drinking water arsenic poisoning group, arsenic contaminated grain group and Ginkgo biloba treatment group ( P < 0.05). Compared with the arsenic contaminated grain group, the protein expressions of SOD1 and GPx1 were increased in the liver tissue in Ginkgo biloba treatment group ( P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group and arsenic contaminated grain group, the protein expression of Keap1 was decreased in the liver tissue in Ginkgo biloba treatment group ( P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the protein expressions of Nrf2 and phosphorylation of Nrf2 (pNrf2) were increased in the cytoplasm in drinking water arsenic poisoning group, arsenic contaminated grain group and Ginkgo biloba treatment group ( P < 0.05). Compared with the arsenic contaminated grain group, the protein expression of pNrf2 was decreased in the cytoplasm in Ginkgo biloba treatment group ( P < 0.05). The protein expressions of Nrf2 and pNrf2 in the nucleus in drinking water arsenic poisoning group, arsenic contaminated grain group and Ginkgo biloba treatment group were also higher than those in normal control group ( P < 0.05). Compared with the arsenic contaminated grain group, the protein expressions of Nrf2 and pNrf2 were increased in the nucleus in Ginkgo biloba treatment group ( P < 0.05). The results of correlation analysis revealed that the protein expressions of Nrf2 and pNrf2 in the nucleus were negatively correlated with Keap1 protein expression ( r=-0.523,-0.401, P < 0.05), and positively correlated with the mRNA expressions of SOD1 and GPx1 ( r=0.658, 0.530, 0.555, 0.603, P < 0.05). In addition, the protein expressions of SOD1 and GPx1 were positively correlated with their enzyme activities ( r=0.472, 0.629, P < 0.05). Conclusions:Arsenic could induce oxidative stress and liver injury. Ginkgo biloba could reduce the protein expression of Keap1, and promote nuclear translocation of Nrf2, which might induce the up-regulation of mRNA expressions of SOD1 and GPx1, and partially reverse the posttranscriptional regulation of arsenic on SOD1 and GPx1, and then increase their protein expressions and enzyme activities, thereby improve arsenic induced oxidative stress and liver injury.