ABSTRACT
Liver diseases are a serious public health problem, claiming 2 million lives yearly, primarily due to cirrhosis and its consequences. The most important pathogenic events in the development and progression of liver diseases are oxidative stress and inflammation. To sustain an acceptable state of homeostasis, a balance between free radicals and antioxidant mediators must exist. Nuclear erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) is the master regulator of cellular defense by inducing the expression of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective genes. Numerous studies have demonstrated that activating or inhibiting this transcription factor significantly affects the progression of liver diseases. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) forms a defense mechanism against oxidative stress damage, and mounting evidence suggests that this signaling pathway is a critical pharmacological target for treating liver diseases. The Nrf2 signaling pathway has been shown to have protective effects in a variety of disease models, including acute kidney, lung, or neuron injury, emphysema, and sepsis. Nrf2 is activated and protects against oxidative and inflammatory illnesses under acute and chronic oxidative stress and inflammatory circumstances by altering the expression of cytoprotective proteins and enzymes, which reduces ROS levels, inflammation, and cell death. When exposed to oxidative stress, Nrf2 translocates into the nucleus and promotes the production of detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes. Numerous studies have revealed that Nrf2 is connected with the aging liver. A thorough understanding of the functions of Nrf2 activation/expression and the effects of its activators/inhibitors is required for defining the mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for liver diseases. In this chapter, we discuss recent advances in the function and primary mechanisms of Nrf2 regulation in liver diseases. We also cover recent research on the functions and processes of Nrf2 as well as therapeutic options targeting Nrf2 in liver disorders.
