| Abstract | Oxidative stress is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses resulting in cell damage and chronic inflammation. ROS are unstable oxygen molecules produced during normal cellular metabolic processes or accumulated from exogenous sources, including radiation, infection, or a high-fat diet. Chronic oxidative stress contributes to many disease state pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
As an important facet of one?s antioxidant defense system, all cells express nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) to help counteract excess ROS levels. Nrf2 is a transcription factor that promotes the expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Our study targets the expression and activation of Nrf2 in cells treated with L2, a compound developed by Dr. Kayla Green (TCU Department of Chemistry) and her colleagues. Our lab previously demonstrated the antioxidant capability of L2 and its ability to protect microglial and neuronal cells from oxidative stress. Our current research aims to examine the therapeutic potential of this compound by monitoring Nrf2 and antioxidant levels in phagocytic cells. This research could provide preliminary evidence for the efficacy of this compound as a treatment option for oxidative stress diseases. |
