Advances on the Role of Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 Signaling Pathway in Antioxidant Response Induced by Inorganic Arsenic Exposure

Exposure to inorganic arsenic can induce oxidative stress and damage, while nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key transcription factor in antioxidant response. Nrf2 signaling pathway is important to the cellular stress responses induced by inorganic arsenic exposure. This paper reviewed the molecular basis and role of Nrf2 signaling pathway in antioxidant response induced by arsenic. Inorganic arsenic exposure could induce Nrf2 signaling pathway, and the inducer of Nrf2 signaling pathway could protect against arsenic toxicity. However, the dual role of Nrf2 signaling pathway in cancer promoting/suppressing and its potential biological significance need further clarification.