Natural and Synthetic Compounds as Boosters of Antioxidant Defense

Dear Colleagues,

Compounds that stimulate the antioxidizing effects activated by the Nrf2 transcription factor have been the focus of research for a while. The activation of antioxidant responses boosts the expression of hundreds of proteins and enzymes, neutralizing reactive oxygen species, increasing the level of glutathione, and repairing damaged cellular components. Nrf2-driven antioxidation is important for counteracting the excessive oxidative damage that occurs during stroke, infarction, or the damage that precedes the development of cancer and neurodegeneration. Therefore, the compounds activating antioxidation have an undeniable benefit in the prevention of such conditions. However, the activators of antioxidant responses are often pro-oxidant or chemically reactive compounds themselves, and this property limits their application in the treatment of existing conditions. Among many candidates that activate antioxidation, only dimethyl fumarate has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The activation of Nrf2 can be achieved through the stabilization of the Nrf2 protein, the activation of upstream pathways, or the de-repression of Nrf2 transcriptional activity via targeting the Bach1 transcription factor.

For this Special Issue, we invite researchers to provide original research articles that report on the development of novel small molecules, peptides, natural compounds, and their combinations that activate genetic antioxidation and, as such, that could be applicable for the post-treatment regimens of various diseases linked to excessive oxidative damage. We also invite the submission of clinical studies demonstrating novel applications of activators of antioxidant genetic responses. Review articles discussing the current state of the art in the field of novel mechanisms of Nrf2 activation, and in particular by targeting Nrf2 repressors, are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Irina Gazaryan
Guest Editor

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