ABSTRACT
Oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathophysiology of many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the body’s production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and its ability to mop up these ROS. Transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor (Nrf2) regulates the expression of genes involved in protection against oxidative injury. Activation of Nrf2 has been shown to increase the body’s defense against oxidative stress and plays a significant role in countering the redox imbalance. Nrf2 is activated in endothelial cells by shear stress through elevated levels of ROS. Sometimes, there could be an overproduction of angiotensin II and its associated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate that may induce stress and cause CVDs. Naturally occurring phytochemicals, the flavonoid is known to be one of the very potent antioxidants. Flavonoids are known to cause upregulation of Nrf2 under both physiological and induced conditions. This strong association of flavonoids in the Nrf2 pathway can be employed in the management of CVDs.
