Antioxidant and anti-inflammation effects of dietary phytochemicals: The Nrf2/NF-KB signalling pathway and upstream factors of Nrf2

Oxidative stress (OS) is created by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant levels. OS promotes inflammation and is associated with many diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Nrf2 and NF-KB are critical in the cellular defence against OS and the regulators of in-flammatory responses, respectively. Recent studies revealed that the Nrf2 signalling pathway interacts with the NF-KB signalling pathway in OS. More importantly, many natural compounds have long been recognized to ameliorate OS and inflammation via the Nrf2 and/or NF-KB signalling pathway. Thus, we briefly overview the potential crosstalk between Nrf2 and NF-KB and the upstream regulators of Nrf2 and review the literature on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of dietary phytochemicals (DPs) that can activate these defence sys-tems. The aim is to provide evidence for the development of DPs into functional food for the regulation of the Nrf2/NF-KB signalling pathway by upstream regulators of Nrf2.

Automated summary

Oxidative stress (OS) is caused by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant levels, leading to inflammation and various diseases. Nrf2 and NF-KB play crucial roles in combating OS and regulating inflammatory responses. Recent studies show that the Nrf2 signaling pathway interacts with the NF-KB signaling pathway in OS, and natural compounds can activate these defense systems to alleviate OS and inflammation.