Natural Nrf2 Activators from Juices, Wines, Coffee, and Cocoa

Abstract

Juices, wine, coffee, and cocoa are rich sources of natural polyphenolic compounds that have potent antioxidant activities proven by in vitro and in vivo studies. These polyphenolic compounds quench reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) or reactive free radicals and act as natural antioxidants which are also able to protect against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative damage, which elevates cellular antioxidant capacity to induce antioxidant defense mechanisms by modulating transcription factors. Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor encoded in humans. It is activated as a result of oxidative stress and induces the expression of its target genes. This is one of the most important cellular defense mechanisms against oxidative stress. However, the oxidative stress alone is not enough to activate Nrf2. Hence phytochemicals, especially polyphenolics, act as natural Nrf2 activators. Herein, this review discusses the natural products identified in juices, coffee, cocoa and wines that modulate Nrf2 activity in cellular systems.

Traceability of polyphenols in cocoa during the postharvest and industrialization processes and their biological antioxidant potential

“…This pathway is activated when Keap1-thiol residues are modified by free radicals or electrophiles (such us phytochemical electrophiles), which allows Nrf2 release and translocation to the nucleus, where it binds to antioxidant element response (ARE) or electrophile-response element (EpRE) at the promoters of Nrf2-induced genes, including γ-glutamyl cysteine synthetase (γ-GCS), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), thioredoxin-1, thioredoxin reductase, catalase (CAT), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxiredoxins [ 83 ]. The protein products of these genes are involved in the elimination of reactive species and drug detoxification [ 84 ]; additionally, it is important to note that recent studies have revealed new targets genes of Nrf2 and for instance has pointing out new functions of the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, such us metabolic reprogramming, unfolded protein response and proteostasis, autophagy, mitochondrial physiology and biogenesis and, inflammation and immunity [ 85 ] .…”

Corn Husk Phenolics Modulate Hepatic Antioxidant Response in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Exposed to Hypoxia

“…Previous studies have reported that hypoxia-induced oxidative stress inhibits the first-line antioxidant defense, made up of CAT, SOD, and GPx in the liver of freshwater fish [9,14]. In this regard, PCs can increase the antioxidant defenses during oxidative stress via the nuclear factor derived from erythroid 2 (Nrf2) activation, inducing the transcription of the antioxidant enzymes CAT, SOD, and GPx [32,33], which maintain homeostasis of the redox state through the suppression or prevention of the ROS formation in cells to prevent oxidative damage [7,34]. First, SOD dismutate the O 2…”

Oxidative Stress in Arterial Hypertension (HTN): The Nuclear Factor Erythroid Factor 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) Pathway, Implications and Future Perspectives

“…A myriad of ingredients that are used daily and have the ability to promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 are reported in Table 1 . Among these, spices were demonstrated to have potential as natural Nrf2 pathway activators that can be used in disorders caused by OS [ 130 , 131 ].…”