Nrf2 Activation: Involvement in Central Nervous System Traumatic Injuries. A Promising Therapeutic Target of Natural Compounds

Central nervous system (CNS) trauma, like traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI), is a growing health problem. These injuries often lead to neurodegeneration, marked by oxidative stress, mitochondrial issues, and neuron death. The body's defense against oxidative stress is regulated by a protein called nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Research shows that certain natural substances can activate Nrf2, which helps protect against damage. This article reviews studies that show natural compounds have positive effects in SCI and TBI by activating the Nrf2 pathway. These compounds could be promising treatments for these conditions.

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  Several natural compounds can activate Nrf2 through multiple pathways, inducing a strong antioxidant response against CNS trauma.
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  Activation of Nrf2 mediated by several natural compounds promotes its translocation within the nucleus and induces the transcription of enzymes involved in counteracting oxidative stress, the mitochondrial response, and neuronal apoptosis.
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  The experimental studies have shown that the Nrf2 activation signaling pathway mediated by these compounds protects against oxidative damage mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and inflammation.