Carbocisteine as a Modulator of Nrf2/HO-1 and NFκB Interplay in Rats: New Inspiration for the Revival of an Old Drug for Treating Ulcerative Colitis

Mechanistic insights into carvedilol's potential protection against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline chemotherapy drug widely employed in the treatment of various cancers, known for its potent antineoplastic properties but often associated with dose-dependent cardiotoxicity, limiting its clinical use. This review explores the complex molecular details that determine the heart-protective effectiveness of carvedilol in relation to cardiotoxicity caused by DOX. The harmful effects of DOX on heart cells could include oxidative stress, DNA damage, iron imbalance, disruption of autophagy, calcium imbalance, apoptosis, dysregulation of topoisomerase 2-beta, arrhythmogenicity, and inflammatory responses. This review carefully reveals how carvedilol serves as a strong protective mechanism, strategically reducing each aspect of cardiac damage caused by DOX. Carvedilol's antioxidant capabilities involve neutralizing free radicals and adjusting crucial antioxidant enzymes. It skillfully manages iron balance, controls autophagy, and restores the calcium balance essential for cellular stability. Moreover, the anti-apoptotic effects of carvedilol are outlined through the adjustment of Bcl-2 family proteins and activation of the Akt signaling pathway. The medication also controls topoisomerase 2-beta and reduces the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, together offering a thorough defense against cardiotoxicity induced by DOX. These findings not only provide detailed understanding into the molecular mechanisms that coordinate heart protection by carvedilol but also offer considerable potential for the creation of targeted treatment strategies intended to relieve cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapy.

Tracking the therapeutic efficacy of a ketone mono ester and β-hydroxybutyrate for ulcerative colitis in rats: New perspectives

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory condition that affects the colon's lining and increases the risk of colon cancer. Despite ongoing research, there is no identified cure for UC. The recognition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the pathogenesis of UC has gained widespread acceptance. Notably, the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate inhibits NLRP3 demonstrating its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, BD-AcAc 2 is ketone mono ester that increases β-hydroxybutyrate blood levels. It has the potential to address the constraints associated with exogenous β-hydroxybutyrate as a therapeutic agent, including issues related to stability and short duration of action. However, the effects of β-hydroxybutyrate and BD-AcAc 2 on colitis have not been fully investigated. This study found that while both exogenous β-hydroxybutyrate and BD-AcAc 2 produced the same levels of plasma β-hydroxybutyrate, BD-AcAc 2 demonstrated superior effectiveness in mitigating dextran sodium sulfate-induced UC in rats. The mechanism of action involves modulating the NF-κB signaling, inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome, regulating antioxidant capacity, controlling tight junction protein expression and a potential to inhibit apoptosis and pyroptosis. Certainly, BD-AcAc 2's anti-inflammatory effects require more than just increasing plasma β-hydroxybutyrate levels and other factors contribute to its efficacy. Local ketone concentrations in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the combined effect of specific ketone bodies, are likely to have contributed to the stronger protective effect observed with ketone mono ester ingestion in our experiment. As a result, further investigations are necessary to fully understand the mechanisms of BD-AcAc 2 and optimize its use.

Effect of huankuile on colon injury in rats with ulcerative colitis by reducing TNF-α and MMP9

OBJECTIVE

To explore the mechanism of huankuile (HKL) in colon injury repair in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

Fifty SPF Wistar male rats were divided randomly into a normal group, a negative control group, an HKL intervention group ('HKL group') and a 5-aminosalicylic acid intervention group ('5-ASA group'). After 14 days of intervention with corresponding drugs, pathological scores were obtained using the results of immunohistochemical staining; morphological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the mRNA expression levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) were detected by real-time quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

After the successful construction of the rat model, it was compared with the rats in the normal group. In the negative group, it was found that the expression of TNF-α and MMP9 was significantly increased in the colonic mucosal epithelia of the rats, the pathological score was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, MMP9 and IL-13 were increased (P < 0.05). After treatment with HKL, the colonic morphology of the rats returned to normal, the expression of TNF-α and MMP9 in the colonic mucosal epithelium of the rats returned to normal, the pathological score grade was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), and the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, MMP9 and IL-13 were reduced; these results were largely consistent with those of the normal group, with no statistically significant difference.

CONCLUSION

HKL effectively improved the general symptoms and tissue injury in UC rats, and the therapeutic effect was better than that of 5-ASA group. Ulcerative colitis in rats increased the expression of TNF-α, MMP9 and IL-13. HKL repaired UC-induced colonic injury in rats by decreasing the expression of TNF-α, MMP9 and IL-13.

Therapeutic effect of phycocyanin on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in mice

INTRODUCTION

The prevention and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is closely tied to antioxidation and anti-inflammation. Phycocyanin (PC) has numerous pharmacological effects, such as antioxidation and anti-inflammation. However, it remains unclear whether PC can play a therapeutic role in COPD.

OBJECTIVE

As inflammation and oxidative stress can aggravate COPD, this study is to explore the effect of PC on COPD mice and its mechanisms.

METHODS

The COPD mice model was established by exposing them to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cigarette smoke (CS); PC was administrated in a concentration of 50 mg/kg for 30 days. On the last day, lung function was measured, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained and classified for cells. Lung tissue pathological change was analyzed, and organ indices statistics were measured. Based on molecular docking, the mechanism was explored with Western blotting, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescence in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

PC significantly ameliorated the pulmonary function of COPD mice and reduced inflammation of the lung (p < 0.05), and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining showed PC depressed lung inflammatory cell accumulation and emphysema. Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Masson staining revealed that PC retarded goblet cells metaplasia and collagen deposition (p < 0.05). In addition, in vivo PC regulated Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) (p < 0.05) and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 (NQO1) level (p < 0.01) in the lung, as well as NOX2 level in pulmonary macrophages. Molecular docking results indicate that phycocyanobilin (PCB) in PC had a good binding site in Keap1 and NOX2 proteins; the phycocyanobilin-bound phycocyanin peptide (PCB-PC-peptide) was obtained for further studies. In vitro, PCB-PC-peptide could depress the phospho-NF-E2-related factor 2 (p-Nrf2) and NQO1 protein expression in RAW264.7 cells induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PC exerts beneficial effects on COPD via anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress, which may be achieved through PCB.

The potential relevance of long non-coding RNAs in colorectal cancer pathogenesis and treatment: A review focus on signaling pathways

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent cancers in incidence and mortality. Despite advances in cancer biology, molecular genetics, and targeted treatments, CRC prognosis and survival have not kept pace. This is usually due to advanced staging and metastases at diagnosis. Thus, great importance has been placed upon understanding the molecular pathophysiology behind the development of CRC, which has highlighted the significance of non-coding RNA's role and associated intracellular signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of the disease. According to recent studies, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), a subtype of ncRNAs whose length exceeds 200 nucleotides, have been found to have regulatory functions on multiple levels. Their actions at the transcription, post-transcriptional, translational levels, and epigenetic regulation have made them prime modulators of gene expression. Due to their role in cellular cancer hallmarks, their dysregulation has been linked to several illnesses, including cancer. Furthermore, their clinical relevance has expanded due to their possible detection in blood which has cemented them as potential future biomarkers and thus, potential targets for new therapy. This review will highlight the importance of lncRNAs and related signaling pathways in the development of CRC and their subsequent clinical applications.

Itraconazole halts hepatocellular carcinoma progression by modulating sonic hedgehog signaling in rats: A novel therapeutic approach

Liver cancer stands as the fourth leading global cause of death, and its prognosis remains grim due to the limited effectiveness of current medical interventions. Among the various pathways implicated in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the hedgehog signaling pathway has emerged as a crucial player. Itraconazole, a relatively safe and cost-effective antifungal medication, has gained attention for its potential as an anticancer agent. Its primary mode of action involves inhibiting the hedgehog pathway, yet its impact on HCC has not been elucidated. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of itraconazole on diethylnitrosamine-induced early-stage HCC in rats. Our findings revealed that itraconazole exhibited a multifaceted arsenal against HCC by downregulating the expression of key components of the hedgehog pathway, shh, smoothened (SMO), and GLI family zinc finger 1 (GLI1), and GLI2. Additionally, itraconazole extended survival and improved liver tissue structure, attributed mainly to its inhibitory effects on hedgehog signaling. Besides, itraconazole demonstrated a regulatory effect on Notch1, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling molecules. Consequently, itraconazole displayed diverse anticancer properties, including anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, antiproliferative, and apoptotic effects, as well as the potential to induce autophagy. Moreover, itraconazole exhibited a promise to impede the transformation of epithelial cells into a more mesenchymal-like phenotype. Overall, this study emphasizes the significance of targeting the hedgehog pathway with itraconazole as a promising avenue for further exploration in clinical studies related to HCC treatment.

From strings to signals: Unraveling the impact of miRNAs on diagnosis, and progression of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as the third most prevalent ailment globally and represents the primary cause of mortality associated with cancer. Significant advancements have been made in the clinical management of patients with CRC, encompassing the development of more streamlined methodologies and a diverse array of biomarkers utilized for prognostic, diagnostic, and predictive objectives. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) play a key role in the development of CRC by modulating the expression of their target genes, which govern a number of metabolic and cellular processes. They are related to malignant traits such as enhanced invasive and proliferative capacity, evasion of apoptosis, cell cycle aberration, and promotion of angiogenesis through dysregulation in their function. This review's objectives were to examine miRNA biogenesis, provide an updated list of oncogenic and tumor suppressor miRNAs, and discuss the likely causes of miRNA dysregulation in CRC. Additionally, we discuss the diagnostic and predictive functions of miRNAs in CRC and summarize their biological significance and clinical potential.

Alogliptin exhibits multifaceted effects in thioacetamide-insulted rats: A novel approach to combating hepatic inflammation and fibrogenesis

Hepatic fibrosis arising from chronic liver injury is characterized by dysregulated healing, including hepatic stellate cell activation and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins. Administration of the hepatotoxin thioacetamide (TAA) induces liver injury coupled to fibrogenesis in rodents, mimicking aspects of human disease. Alogliptin is a highly selective inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 with purported antifibrotic actions. We investigated the protective effects of alogliptin against TAA-mediated hepatic fibrosis in rats. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal injections of TAA (150 mg/kg) twice weekly for 6 weeks to induce liver fibrosis. A subset of rats also received daily oral alogliptin (20 mg/kg). At 6 weeks, liver injury and fibrosis were assessed by histology, hydroxyproline content, serum liver enzymes, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and genes related to inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. TAA elicited necroinflammation, oxidative stress, upregulation of pro-fibrogenic mediators, increased hydroxyproline content, and excessive collagen deposition, indicating hepatic fibrosis. The administration of Alogliptin led to notable enhancements in liver histology, an extension in survival time, a decrease in hydroxyproline levels and the expression of fibrogenic genes, a reduction in inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, and mitigation of hepatocellular apoptosis in rats subjected to TAA treatment. Alogliptin displayed potent antifibrotic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties in this model of toxic liver damage, likely by impeding NFκB while enhanced Nrf2 DNA binding activity which together modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, myofibroblast activation, and apoptosis. These results highlight the potential therapeutic value of alogliptin offering hope for improved treatment of hepatic fibrosis.

Alamri M, Alfaifi J, I. E. Adam M, A. Saleh L, I. Farag A, A. Elmorsy E, S. El-Wakeel H, S. Doghish A, E. Shaker M, H. Hazem S, A. Ramadan H, S. Hamad R, A. Mohammed O. Unveiling the therapeutic potential of exogenous β-hydroxybutyrate for chronic colitis in rats: novel insights on autophagy, apoptosis, and pyroptosis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disease of the colorectal area that demonstrates a dramatically increasing incidence worldwide. This study provides novel insights into the capacity of the exogenous β-hydroxybutyrate and ketogenic diet (KD) consumption to alleviate dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC in rats. Remarkably, both interventions attenuated disease activity and colon weight-to-length ratio, and improved macro and microstructures of the damaged colon. Importantly, both β-hydroxybutyrate and KD curbed the DSS-induced aberrant NLRP3 inflammasome activation as observed in mRNA and protein expression analysis. Additionally, inhibition of the NLRP3/NGSDMD-mediated pyroptosis was detected in response to both regimens. In parallel, these modalities attenuated caspase-1 and its associated consequences of IL-1β and IL-18 overproduction. They also mitigated apoptosis as indicated by the inactivation of caspase-3. The anti-inflammatory effects of BHB and KD were confirmed by the reported decline in the levels of inflammatory markers including MPO, NFκB, IL-6, and TNF-α. Moreover, these interventions exhibited antioxidative properties by reducing ROS production and improving antioxidative enzymes. Their effectiveness in mitigating UC was also evident in the renovation of normal intestinal epithelial barrier function, as shown by correcting the discrepancies in the levels of tight junction proteins ZO-1, OCLN, and CLDN5. Furthermore, their effects on the intestinal microbiota homeostasis were investigated. In terms of autophagy, exogenous β-hydroxybutyrate upregulated BECN-1 and downregulated p62, which may account for its superiority over KD in attenuating colonic damage. In conclusion, this study provides experimental evidence supporting the potential therapeutic use of β-hydroxybutyrate or β-hydroxybutyrate-boosting regimens in UC.

Oxysophocarpine suppresses TRAF6 level to ameliorate oxidative stress and inflammatory factors secretion in mice with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) induced-ulcerative colitis

PURPOSE

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammation-related disease with a high recurrence risk. Oxysophocarpine (OSC) is a traditional Chinese medicine isolated from legumes and exerts vital functions on many human diseases. However, the OSC's role in ulcerative colitis has not been fully elucidated. This research aimed to investigate the OSC's impact on ulcerative colitis and its mechanisms.

METHODS

A mouse model of ulcerative colitis was induced by dextran sulphate sodium (DSS). The effect of OSC on ulcerative colitis was examined using Disease Activity Index detection, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Meanwhile, the mechanism of OSC in ulcerative colitis was assessed by immunohistochemistry assay, Western blot, HE staining, and ELISA.

RESULTS

For the OSC's function in ulcerative colitis, OSC increased the mice weight, decreased Disease Activity Index scores, and alleviated colitis cell infiltration and epithelial cell destruction in DSS-induced ulcerative colitis. Also, OSC mitigated oxidative stress (decreased PGE2, MPO levels, and increased SOD levels) and inflammation (decreased IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β levels) in DSS-induced ulcerative colitis. For the OSC's mechanism in ulcerative colitis, OSC inhibited the level of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated Factor 6 (TRAF6) and the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). TRAF6 overexpression abolished the effect of OSC on DSS-induced colon injury and its associated oxidative stress and inflammatory properties in ulcerative colitis.

CONCLUSION

OSC decreased the TRAF6 level to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory factors secretion in mice with DSS induced-ulcerative colitis.

Alvespimycin Exhibits Potential Anti-TGF-β Signaling in the Setting of a Proteasome Activator in Rats with Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Promising Novel Approach

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an irreversible and life-threatening lung disease of unknown etiology presenting only a few treatment options. TGF-β signaling orchestrates a cascade of events driving pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Notably, recent research has affirmed the augmentation of TGF-β receptor (TβR) signaling via HSP90 activation. HSP90, a molecular chaperone, adeptly stabilizes and folds TβRs, thus intricately regulating TGF-β1 signaling. Our investigation illuminated the impact of alvespimycin, an HSP90 inhibitor, on TGF-β-mediated transcriptional responses by inducing destabilization of TβRs. This outcome stems from the explicit interaction of TβR subtypes I and II with HSP90, where they are clients of this cellular chaperone. It is worth noting that regulation of proteasome-dependent degradation of TβRs is a critical standpoint in the termination of TGF-β signal transduction. Oleuropein, the principal bioactive compound found in Olea europaea, is acknowledged for its role as a proteasome activator. In this study, our aim was to explore the efficacy of a combined therapy involving oleuropein and alvespimycin for the treatment of PF. We employed a PF rat model that was induced by intratracheal bleomycin infusion. The application of this dual therapy yielded a noteworthy impediment to the undesired activation of TGF-β/mothers against decapentaplegic homologs 2 and 3 (SMAD2/3) signaling. Consequently, this novel combination showcased improvements in both lung tissue structure and function while also effectively restraining key fibrosis markers such as PDGF-BB, TIMP-1, ACTA2, col1a1, and hydroxyproline. On a mechanistic level, our findings unveiled that the antifibrotic impact of this combination therapy likely stemmed from the enhanced degradation of both TβRI and TβRII. In conclusion, the utilization of proteasomal activators in conjunction with HSP90 inhibitors ushers in a promising frontier for the management of PF.

Innovative challenge for the inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma progression by combined targeting of HSP90 and STAT3/HIF-1α signaling

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third foremost cause of cancer-related deaths. HCC has a very bad prognosis because it is asymptomatic in the early stages, resulting in a late diagnosis, and it is highly resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Such chemotherapies have been proven disappointing because they provide extremely low survival benefits. This study discloses that the STAT3/HIF-1α is an auspicious therapeutic attack site for conceivable repression of HCC development. A site that can be targeted by simultaneous administration of a STAT3 inhibitor in the context of HSP90 inhibition. 17-DMAG binds to HSP90 and constrains its function, resulting in the degradation of HSP90 client proteins HIF-1α and STAT3. Hypoxia recruits STAT3/HIF-1α complex within the VEGF promoter. Additionally, it was acknowledged that STAT3 is an essential mediator of VEGF transcription by direct binding to its promoter. Furthermore, it induces HIF-1α stability and enhances its transcriptional activity. Herein, we revealed that the combination therapy using 17-DMAG and nifuroxazide, a STAT3 inhibitor, repressed the diethylnitrosamine-induced alterations in the structure of the liver. This effect was mediated via decreasing the levels of the HSP90 client proteins HIF-1α and pSTAT3 resulting in the suppression of the STAT3/HIF-1α complex transcriptional activity. To conclude, 17-DMAG/NFXZD combination therapy-induced disruption in the STAT3/HIF-1α loop led to a potential antiangiogenic activity and showed apoptotic potential by inhibiting autophagy and inducing ROS/apoptosis signaling. Additionally, this combination therapy exhibited promising survival prolongation in mice with HCC. Consequently, the use of 17-DMAG/NFXZD renders an inspirational perspective in managing HCC. However, further investigations are compulsory.

Diacetylrhein, an anthraquinone antiarthritic agent, suppresses dextran sodium sulfate-induced inflammation in rats: A possible mechanism for a protective effect against ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory life-threatening and premalignant disorder with no cure that even might end up with surgical removal of a large section or even all of the colon. It is characterized by relapsing-remitting courses of intestinal inflammation and mucosal damage in which oxidative stress and exaggerated inflammatory response play a significant role. Most of the current medications to maintain remission are symptomatic and have many adverse reactions. Therefore, the potential for improved management of patients with UC continues to increase. Yet, the benefits of using the antiarthritic agent diacetylrhein to counteract inflammation in UC are still obscure. Hence, our study was designed to explore its potential role in UC using a model of dextran sodium sulfate-induced acute colitis in rats. Our results revealed that diacetylrhein targeted the NLRP3 and inhibited the inflammasome assembly. Consequently, caspase-1 activity and the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 were inhibited leading to a curbed pyroptosis process. Additionally, diacetylrhein revealed a significant antiapoptotic potential as revealed by the levels of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins. Concomitant to these effects, diacetylrhein also interrupted NFκB signals leading to improved microscopic features of inflamed colon and decreased colon weight to length ratio, indices of disease activity, and macroscopic damage. Additionally, a reduction in the myeloperoxidase activity, IL-6, and TGF-β alongside an increase in the gene expression of Ocln and ZO-1 were detected. To conclude diacetylrhein showed a significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential and therefore might represent a promising agent in the management of acute UC.

Structural and Functional Studies of S-(2-Carboxyethyl)-L-Cysteine and S-(2-Carboxyethyl)-l-Cysteine Sulfoxide

Insecticidal non-proteinogenic amino acid S-(2-carboxyethyl)-L-cysteine (β-CEC) and its assumed metabolite, S-(2-carboxyethyl)-l-cysteine sulfoxide (β-CECO), are present abundantly in a number of plants of the legume family. In humans, these amino acids may occur as a result of exposure to environmental acrylonitrile or acrylamide, and due to consumption of the legumes. The β-CEC molecule is a homolog of S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine (carbocisteine, CMC), a clinically employed antioxidant and mucolytic drug. We report here detailed structural data for β-CEC and β-CECO, as well as results of in vitro studies evaluating cytotoxicity and the protective potential of the amino acids in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) equipped with reporters for activity of seven stress-responsive transcription factors. In RTECs, β-CEC and the sulfoxide were not acutely cytotoxic, but activated the antioxidant Nrf2 pathway. β-CEC, but not the sulfoxide, induced the amino acid stress signaling, which could be moderated by cysteine, methionine, histidine, and tryptophan. β-CEC enhanced the cytotoxic effects of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, but inhibited the cytotoxic stress induced by cisplatin, oxaliplatin, and CuO nanoparticles and acted as an antioxidant in a copper-dependent oxidative DNA degradation assay. In these experiments, the structure and activities of β-CEC closely resembled those of CMC. Our data suggest that β-CEC may act as a mild activator of the cytoprotective pathways and as a protector from platinum drugs and environmental copper cytotoxicity.

The Role of Organosulfur Compounds as Nrf2 Activators and Their Antioxidant Effects

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling has become a key pathway for cellular regulation against oxidative stress and inflammation, and therefore an attractive therapeutic target. Several organosulfur compounds are reportedly activators of the Nrf2 pathway. Organosulfur compounds constitute an important class of therapeutic agents in medicinal chemistry due to their ability to participate in biosynthesis, metabolism, cellular functions, and protection of cells from oxidative damage. Sulfur has distinctive chemical properties such as a large number of oxidation states and versatility of reactions that promote fundamental biological reactions and redox biochemistry. The presence of sulfur is responsible for the peculiar features of organosulfur compounds which have been utilized against oxidative stress-mediated diseases. Nrf2 activation being a key therapeutic strategy for oxidative stress is closely tied to sulfur-based chemistry since the ability of compounds to react with sulfhydryl (-SH) groups is a common property of Nrf2 inducers. Although some individual organosulfur compounds have been reported as Nrf2 activators, there are no papers with a collective analysis of these Nrf2-activating organosulfur compounds which may help to broaden the knowledge of their therapeutic potentials and motivate further research. In line with this fact, for the first time, this review article provides collective and comprehensive information on Nrf2-activating organosulfur compounds and their therapeutic effects against oxidative stress, thereby enriching the chemical and pharmacological diversity of Nrf2 activators.