Figure 5
Arsenic affects NRF2 signaling pathway. The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid-derived factor 2–related factor 2 (NRF2) has classically been associated with a cancer preventive function through the induction of cytoprotective proteins that inactivate reactive carcinogenic species and their intermediates. Arsenic can stimulate the activity of the NFR2 pathway mainly through generation of ROS. These events can protect the cell during acute/short-term exposure to low doses of arsenic. However, chronic arsenic-mediated activation of the NRF2 pathway may result in detrimental cellular effects associated with arsenic-induced pathogenesis.