Role of the Nrf2 pathway in liver diseases

Nrf2 signaling pathway is a major mechanism in the cellular defense against oxidative or electrophilic stress,which regulates series of detoxifying and antioxidant defense genes expression in the liver. The Nrf2 signaling pathway collectively exhibits diverse biological functions against viral hepatitis,alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver disease,fibrosis,and cancer via target gene expression. This review discusses the role of the Nrf2 pathway in liver pathophysiology and the potential application of Nrf2 as a therapeutic target of prevention and treatment of liver diseases. Key words: Oxidative; Hepatic disease