Nuclear erythroid factor 2 like 2 (Nrf2) has been described as a transcription factor that serves as a master regulator of the adaptive response to exogenous and endogenous oxidative and electrophilic stresses. Evidence of Nrf2 crosstalk with other molecular pathways is increasing; recent publications have proposed a role of Nrf2 in the development of obesity and in the highly regulated process of adipocyte differentiation through its interaction with other transcription factors and receptors implicated in metabolic regulation. In the present review, we discuss the available data on the possible role of Nrf2 in obesity and metabolic syndrome and the feasibility of using Nrf2 as a therapeutic target in the clinical setting.

Diabetes, Keap1, Metabolism, Nrf2, obesity, Oxidative stress, endogenous, exogenous, Body Mass Index, sulfonylureas.

Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh. 200 Lothrop St., E1352, Thomas Starzl Bioscience Tower, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.