Application of Nrf2 activators in the treatment of Alzheimer′s disease

Alzheimer′s disease(AD)is an irreversible neurodegenerative disease. Main features in AD brains are abnormal deposition of amyloid-beta peptide(Aβ)in extracellular senile plaques(SP), intracellular neurofibrillary tangles(NFT)formed by hyperphosphorylated tau. The cause of AD is not clear. Oxidative stress is considered to be an important factor leading to the development of AD. Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway is one of the most important defense mechanisms of antioxidant and/or electrophilic stress in the body. The activation of Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway induces the transcription of a range of cytoprotective genes and reduces oxidative stress. This article outlines the therapeutic effect of flavonoids, phenols, carboxylic acids, esters and other Nrf2 activators on Alzheimer′s disease.