Figure 2.

Comparative effects of Nrf2 activation and Nrf2 inhibition on defense responses, weight reduction, and increases of energy expenditure. Schematic diagram shows effects of Nrf2—gain and loss—of function on energy expenditure and weight reduction. Various cellular stresses can activate Nrf2 to provide defense mechanisms in antioxidation and detoxification. Nrf2 inhibition increases energy expenditure and decreases weight gain in a high calorie diet feeding. However, Nrf2 inhibition potentially fails to protect cells from oxidative/electrophilic stress and inflammatory insults. By contrast, chemical Nrf2 activators can stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis in tissues while Nrf2 inhibition impairs mitochondrial biogenesis and energy expenditure.