Role of Nrf2 in vascular cognitive impairment and progress in traditional Chinese medicine interventions
10.3969/j.issn.1671-7856.2025.08.014
- VernacularTitle:Nrf2在血管性认知障碍中的作用及中医药干预进展
- Author:
Yiting ZHAO
1
;
Hewei QIN
;
Jiandong LIU
Author Information
1. 河南中医药大学康复医学院,郑州 450046
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
vascular cognitive impairment;
Nrf2;
mechanism of action;
traditional Chinese medicine;
research progress
- From:
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine
2025;35(8):146-157
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Vascular cognitive impairment(VCI)is a syndrome of cognitive decline attributed to vascular risk factors and cerebrovascular diseases.A range of pathophysiological processes induced by vascular injury,including inflammation,oxidative stress,cell death,disruption of the blood-brain barrier,and synaptic damage are intricately linked to the development of VCI.Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2),encoded by the NFE2L2 gene,is a potent transcription factor that plays a critical role in antioxidant defense.Extensive research has demonstrated that Nrf2 mitigates oxidative stress and inflammation by upregulating the expression of antioxidant response elements,thereby reducing the production of reactive oxygen species.Nrf2 also modulates programmed cell death,enhances blood-brain barrier integrity,and promotes synaptic plasticity,ultimately delaying the progression of VCI.This review examines the role of Nrf2 in VCI and highlights recent research on traditional Chinese medicines targeting Nrf2 for the prevention and treatment of VCI,thus providing novel insights and approaches for managing this condition.
