Nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a ubiquit
ous master transcription factor that
upregulates antioxidant response elements (AREs)-mediated expre
ssion of antioxidant enzyme and
cytoprotective proteins. Activation of Nrf2 has been shown to b
e protective against lung injury. In
the lung, diverse stimuli includ
ing environmental oxidants, med
icinal agents and pathogens can
activate Nrf2. Nrf2 translocates to the nucleus and binds to an
antioxidant response element (ARE).
Through transcriptional induction of ARE-bearing genes encoding
antioxidant-detoxifying proteins,
Nrf2 induces cellular rescue pathways against oxidative pulmona
ry injury, abnormal inflammatory
and immune responses, and apoptosis. The Nrf2-antioxidant pathw
ay has been shown to be
important in the protection against various lung injury includi
ng acute lung injury/acute respiratory
distress syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic obstr
uctive pulmonary disease,
idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, asthma and allergy, and was wide
ly examined for new therapeutic
targets. The current review explores the protective role of Nrf
-2 against lung injury and the
therapeutic potential in targeting Nrf-2.