The Cytoprotective Activity of Nrf2 Is Regulated by Phytochemicals (Sulforaphane, Curcumin, and Silymarin)

The evolution of species has encouraged organisms to adapt to their environment; in this process, an aerobic metabolism was the product of exposure to certain atmospheric conditions. Oxygen consumption in most cellular systems results in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that may be capable of causing cellular damage at a certain level; however, these molecules are crucial to trigger cell signaling pathways for the maintenance of homeostasis. The high production of ROS increases oxidative stress (OS) which may affect some cellular structures. Thus, cells have to develop effective cytoprotective systems to defend themselves against damage. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is the master regulator of protection; its activation induces the Nrf2/Keap1/ARE pathway for the expression of a wide range of genes involved in detoxification and the antioxidant response. Researchers have paid special attention to the mechanism that favors this pathway and have found that some phytochemicals are potent Nrf2 activators. Therefore, in this work, we provide an overview of three of the most efficient bioactivators and the evidence supporting them as potential therapeutic elements under different medical conditions.