Nrf-2 as a novel target in radiation induced lung injury
Yuan-Yuan Chen,
Meng Wang,
Chen-Yang Zuo,
Meng-Xia Mao,
Xiao-Chun Peng,
Jun Cai
Affiliations
Yuan-Yuan Chen
Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434023, PR China
Meng Wang
Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434023, PR China
Chen-Yang Zuo
Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434023, PR China
Meng-Xia Mao
Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434023, PR China
Xiao-Chun Peng
Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434023, PR China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434023, PR China; Corresponding author. Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Nanhuan Road, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434023, PR China.
Jun Cai
Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434023, PR China; Corresponding author. Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Nanhuan Road, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434023, PR China.
Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a common and fatal complication of chest radiotherapy. The underlying mechanisms include radiation-induced oxidative stress caused by damage to the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in apoptosis of lung and endothelial cells and recruitment of inflammatory cells and myofibroblasts expressing NADPH oxidase to the site of injury, which in turn contribute to oxidative stress and cytokine production. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) is a vital transcription factor that regulates oxidative stress and inhibits inflammation. Studies have shown that Nrf-2 protects against radiation-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis. This review discusses the protective role of Nrf-2 in RILI and its possible mechanisms.
