Interactive Molecular Mechanism between Nrf2 and NF-κB Pathways in Drug Induced Liver Injury / 中国药学杂志

ABSTRACT

Nrf2(nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2), a transcription factor, is sensitive to oxidative stress. It drives the production of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and detoxifying enzymes to prevent damage from poisonous substance. NF-κB (nuclear factor- kappa light chain enhancer of B cells) is an essential transcription factor for regulation of immuno-inflammatory reaction. The two pathways interact to maintain intracellular redox homeostasis under physiological conditions. Nrf2 deficient mice exhibit greater induction of NF-κB, whereas NF-κB also inhibit Nrf2 activity at function level. Previous studies indicate the molecular mechanism of drug induced liver injury (DILI) is the imbalance of Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways. Recently, many bioactive natural products could active Nrf2 and inhibit NF-κB. Hence, the interaction of the two pathways may be targets for the treatment and prevention of DILI. The aims of this review are to dissect the interactive molecular mechanism between Nrf2 and NF-κB in DILI, and explore how natural pharmacological active products regulate Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways.