Activation of Nrf2 by Natural Bioactive Compounds: A Promising Approach for Stroke?

Abstract

<jats:p>Stroke represents one of the main causes of disability and death worldwide. The pathological subtypes of stroke are ischemic stroke, the most frequent, and hemorrhagic stroke. Nrf2 is a transcription factor that regulates redox homeostasis. In stress conditions, Nrf2 translocates inside the nucleus and induces the transcription of enzymes involved in counteracting oxidative stress, endobiotic and xenobiotic metabolism, regulators of inflammation, and others. Different natural compounds, including food and plant-derived components, were shown to be able to activate Nrf2, mediating an antioxidant response. Some of these compounds were tested in stroke experimental models showing several beneficial actions. In this review, we focused on the studies that evidenced the positive effects of natural bioactive compounds in stroke experimental models through the activation of Nrf2 pathway. Interestingly, different natural compounds can activate Nrf2 through multiple pathways, inducing a strong antioxidant response associated with the beneficial effects against stroke. According to several studies, the combination of different bioactive compounds can lead to a better neuroprotection. In conclusion, natural bioactive compounds may represent new therapeutic strategies against stroke.</jats:p>

Synthesis and radioprotective effects of novel hybrid compounds containing edaravone analogue and 3‐n‐butylphthalide ring‐opening derivatives

“…Nrf2 is a transcription factor which can regulate redox homeostasis in cells 33 . When activated under stress, it translocates from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and induces the transcription of downstream cytoprotective proteins 33,34 . Therefore, we analysed the distribution of Nrf2 in IEC‐6 cells by immunofluorescence assay.…”

The Role of Natural Compounds and their Nanocarriers in the Treatment of CNS Inflammation

“…Numerous studies have highlighted the capacity of natural compounds derived from plants, vegetables, fruits, dietary nutrients, and endogenous molecules to be used as potential therapeutics for the treatment of neuroinflammation mainly owing to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and neuroprotective effects ( Figure 2 ) [ 8 , 9 , 16 ]. Several studies have reported that many natural compounds can exhibit high affinity for various receptors in the brain, thereby specifically promoting or inhibiting various molecular signal transduction pathways and exerting multi-targeting effects on neuroinflammation-induced CNS disorders [ 55 , 56 ].…”

“…The advantages of many natural compounds in neuroinflammation involve their high affinity for various receptors in the brain, thereby specifically promoting or inhibiting various molecular signal transduction pathways and their multi-targeting effects on various CNS disorders as well as their lower side effects compared to conventional synthetic drugs [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. However, their pharmacological effects on neuroinflammation are often impeded because of their instability, poor solubility, and/or poor blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability, resulting in lower bioavailability (BA), lower distribution in target tissue (brain), and higher systemic toxicities [ 15 , 16 ].…”

Safety and efficacy of intravascular therapy in patients with progressive stroke caused by intracranial large vascular occlusion exceeding the time window of 24 hours

“…Stroke is one of the major causes of disability and death worldwide, mainly affecting the elderly [1]. Most ischemic stroke cases are caused by reduced blood flow, due to arterial occlusion.…”