Antioxidant pathways activation

Antioxidant pathways activation" is not a single molecule or receptor but rather refers to the coordinated induction and regulation of multiple cellular processes that protect cells from oxidative damage. These pathways are primarily regulated by transcription factors such as **Nrf2** in mammals, which upon activation translocate to the nucleus and bind to antioxidant response elements (ARE) in DNA, promoting the expression of various detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes including heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), glutathione S-transferases, among others. The purpose is to maintain redox homeostasis under conditions that generate reactive oxygen species—such as environmental toxins, inflammation, or mitochondrial dysfunction—and thereby prevent cellular injury or death. While these pathways are critical for normal physiology and protection against diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration, their chronic dysregulation can also contribute to pathology by supporting malignant cell survival or interfering with immune function[1][2][3][5]. Note: This entry does not correspond to a specific molecular target but rather describes a broad biological process involving many molecules; therefore it should not be considered a canonical therapeutic target itself.

Other names

Antioxidant response pathwayAntioxidant defense pathwaysARE pathway activation

Activation of transcription factors such as Nrf2, leading to upregulation of antioxidant genes via the antioxidant response element (ARE); Induction of cellular defense systems against reactive oxygen species and electrophiles