The roles and mechanisms of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion

Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a critical antioxidative transcription factor, which participates in maintaining redox homeostasis of cells. Under the physiological state, Nrf2 is localized to the cytoplasm in an inactive state. In response to oxidative stress, the activated Nrf2 translocates to nucleus, then recognizes and binds the antioxidant response elements, and thus stimulates the transcription of antioxidant enzymes. It is essential to protect the brain tissue from oxidative damage induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Key words: Brain Ischemia; Reperfusion Injury; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Oxidative Stress; Signal Transduction; Neuroprotective Agents