The nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a major regulator of intracellular inducible defense systems against harmful endogenous and exogenous substances in the body. Under normal conditions Nrf2 is mainly binds to keap1 and located in the cytoplasm. However, in response to oxidative and electrophile stress, Nrf2 translocated to the nucleus and link to anti-oxidant response elements to induce the transcription of cytoprotective genes. Most viruses cause oxidative stress and increase the activity of radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), subsequently, the cellular protection system activates the Nrf2 and increases the expression of cytoprotective genes. However, in some cases, the activation of Nrf2 is not ROS-dependent, and is carried out directly via the ROS-independent pathway. Many viruses cause the activation of Nrf2, which is involved in the pathogenesis and the progression of the virus infection and even in its chronic form. However, some viruses inhibit the activation of Nrf2, in which case the virus also benefits of this mechanism to maintain the homeostasis of the cell. However, the challenge between the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway of and viral infections is unknown in some cases, and in order to know more details in this regard, a more detailed seems necessary.

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Background and Objectives: Diabetes is recognized as a great concern and a public health problem worldwide. Several factors including environmental and genetic factors have been involved. Recently, infectious agents such as hepatitis C virus (HCV) have been reported to be associated with diabetes. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the frequency of HCV infection among patients with diabetes type 2 in Ahvaz city, Iran. Materials and Methods: A case-control study design was conducted at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. A total of 600 study subjects were included in this research. All the patient sera were tested for Anti- HCV antibody, HBsAg, and HIV antibody. The sera of positive Anti-HCV antibody, were assayed for 5'- UTR and core regions of the HCV genome by Nested RT-PCR. Finally, the HCV genotyping was determined by sequencing. Results: The prevalence of HCV in type 2 diabetes and nondiabetic controls was 2% and 0.33%, respectively. The distribution of HCV genotypes among the HCV-positive patients were 3a (1.66%) and 1a (0.33%). Conclusion: To control and improve the treatment, the screening of HCV infection with anti-HCV antibody was followed by molecular techniques such as PCR and HCV genotyping which should be implemented for all patients with diabetes type 2.