O papel do fator nuclear eritroide 2 relacionado ao fator 2 (Nrf2) no diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disease. Its etiology is attributed to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. However, it is known that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of DM, leading to pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. In this context, the nuclear factor- erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is considered the main regulator of the body’s antioxidant response, being a mechanism of critical importance in the maintenance of homeostasis and cell survival. However, the role of Nrf2 is not limited to the antioxidant response alone. When interacting with other metabolic pathways, Nrf2 plays an important role in regulating metabolism, acting on lipid metabolism, in the maintenance of glycemia, and in inflammatory response, among others. However, the exact relationship of Nrf2 with other metabolic pathways is not yet fully understood. Nevertheless, impairment of Nrf2 function is known to be evident in the pathophysiology of DM as well as in the development of its clinical complications. Activation of the Nrf2 protects against damage mediated by DM, and an exogenous intervention may be adequate to increase its activity.