Targeting Nrf2 in the Protection against Renal Disease

Renal disease is a serious health problem, with increasing incidence and prevalence. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a key role in the pathogenesis and progression of renal disease. Therefore, therapeutic approaches to decrease oxidative stress in this pathological should be of interest. The transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2) is an emerging regulator of cellular resistance to oxidants. Nrf2 controls the basal and induced expression of a couple of cytoprotective genes that regulate the physiological and pathophysiological outcomes of oxidant exposure. Thus, a number of studies have analyzed the potential therapeutic role of a number of Nrf2 inducers for prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, including renal disease. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the protective mechanisms mediated by Nrf2, a description of novel compounds that target Nrf2, its effectiveness to prevent renal disease and the on-going clinical trials for this pathological condition.