The article examines the potential of targeting the Nrf2 pathway as a disease-modifying strategy in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, and multiple sclerosis. Nrf2 is a transcription factor that plays a key role in regulating the body’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses, as well as mitochondrial function. Understanding and effectively modulating this pathway could open new avenues for treatments aimed at slowing or preventing disease progression – an area where current options remain limited.
The review outlines the role of Nrf2 in the key pathological features shared across neurodegenerative diseases, including oxidative stress, protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. It also discusses the current landscape of pharmacological approaches to activating the Nrf2 pathway and the challenges that remain.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of the field and suggests directions for future research in the development of novel therapies.