NRF2 is overexpressed in ovarian epithelial carcinoma and is regulated by gonadotrophin and sex-steroid hormones

Aberrant nuclear factor-erythroid 2 (NRF2) expression correlates with tumor development. We investigated NRF2 expression in ovarian epithelial carcinoma (OEC), aiming to identify associations with clinicopathological factors, hormones and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). Immunohistochemical staining for NRF2 expression was performed on 10 benign cystadenomas, 4 boderline tumors and 64 OECs. Western blotting was used to determine the effects of hormones on NRF2 expression in OEC. NRF2 protein was found to be overexpressed in OEC. Gonadotrophins and estrogen induced ROS production in OEC; these hormones also enhanced NRF2 expression. Therefore, aberrant expression may be induced by hormones through ROS signaling. Increased NRF2 expression may be a molecular event in OEC carcinogenesis.