Impaired nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 expression increases apoptosis of airway epithelial cells in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to cigarette smoking

Background Cigarette smoking-induced oxidative stress is known to be a key mechanism in COPD pathogenesis. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a central transcription factor that regulates the antioxidant defense system. The aim of this study was to compare Nrf2 expression in COPD subjects and control subjects, and to determine the role of Nrf2 in protecting against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis.