Exogenous foods that activate the NRF2 protein: Systematic review

Abstract

Background The activation of the Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling pathway, whether through natural compounds, diet, or supplements, plays a crucial role in protecting against oxidative stress and promoting health in various aspects. The objective of this research was to identify studies on exogenous foods that activate the NRF2 protein in the scientific literature. Methods A literature review aimed at identifying manuscripts on NRF2 activation with exogenous foods and its human benefits was conducted. The systematic review spanned English and Spanish articles from MEDLINE, PubMed, SciELO, and Scopus repositories until August 2023. All authors participated in search, analysis, and selection. Inclusion criteria prioritized NRF2-activating foods and their benefits, with exclusion criteria for irrelevant articles in other languages. Stringent filters were applied in stages—initial title search, abstract review, and thorough reading of remaining articles—to minimize bias and ensure relevance to the study’s objective. Results A total of 25 articles were analyzed, which discussed the adaptive mechanism of NRF2 and its role in hormone dose response, the effects of certain foods and health benefits associated with NRF2 activation Conclusions The studies support the notion that NRF2 activation plays a fundamental role in promoting health in various spheres, underscoring the relevance of factors such as diet, natural components, and antioxidant supplementation in defending against oxidative stress and its implications for overall well-being. For future research on this topic, it is important to analyze how the population stands regarding the consumption of exogenous foods that activate NRF2, to understand both the consumption, quantity, and frequency of certain foods and whether they are doing so correctly.