The role of nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf-2) in the protection against lung injury

Nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a ubiquitous master transcription factor that upregulates antioxidant response elements (AREs)-mediated expression of antioxidant enzyme and cytoprotective proteins. Activation of Nrf2 has been shown to be protective against lung injury. In the lung, diverse stimuli including environmental oxidants, medicinal agents, and pathogens can activate Nrf2. Nrf2 translocates to the nucleus and binds to an ARE. Through transcriptional induction of ARE-bearing genes encoding antioxidant-detoxifying proteins, Nrf2 induces cellular rescue pathways against oxidative pulmonary injury, abnormal inflammatory and immune responses, and apoptosis. The Nrf2-antioxidant pathway has been shown to be important in the protection against various lung injuries including acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and allergy and was widely examined for new therapeutic targets. The present review explores the protective role of Nrf-2 against lung injury and the therapeutic potential in targeting Nrf-2.