COX-2 and Nrf2/ARE signaling pathways in anti-inflammation and antioxidation in vivo and in vitro

Recent studies have revealed that multiple substrates of the cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 enzyme,such as docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA),in addition to the standard substrate,arachidonic acid(AA),and COX-2 dependent electrophilic oxo-derivatives(EFOX) release Nrf2 by changing Keap1 conformation,subsequently Nrf2 activates the antioxidative response elements(ARE),such as heme oxygenase-1,glutathione reductase, etc.These findings suggest the involvement of COX-2 and Nrf2/ARE in anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mechanisms.In this study,we discussed the correlations present between exogenous and endogenous factors in anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation,and propose a putative mechanism of anti-ageing involving commonly found dietary-herbal compounds.