Key findings
• Activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) significantly reduces the accumulation of senescent bronchial epithelial cells in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) models.
• Nrf2 activation improves lung function, reduces inflammation, and decreases lung tissue damage in COPD mouse models.
What is known and what is new?
• It is known that cell senescence contributes to the progression of COPD by promoting inflammation and tissue remodeling.
• This study adds new evidence showing that Nrf2 activation can effectively suppress the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and mitigate COPD progression, which suggests a novel therapeutic target.
What is the implication, and what should change now?
• The findings imply that Nrf2 activators could be a promising therapeutic strategy for COPD, focusing on reducing cellular senescence and inflammation.
• Future research should explore the clinical application of Nrf2 activators in COPD patients and investigate the optimal dosage and treatment duration for maximum therapeutic benefit.
Publication: Jin F, Lin H, Pan S. Novel therapeutic strategy: Nrf2 activation in targeting senescence-related changes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Thorac Dis 2025;17(2):623-640. doi: 10.21037/jtd-24-710
Journal of Thoracic Disease
Experimental study
Animals
Novel therapeutic strategy: Nrf2 activation in targeting senescence-related changes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
27-Feb-2025
All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://jtd.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/jtd-24-710/coif). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.