Redox regulation of nuclear factor kappa B: Therapeutic potential for attenuating inflammatory responses

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) is a protein transcription factor that is required for maximal transcription of a wide array of pro-inflammatory m ediators that are involved in the pathogenesis of stroke. The purpose of th is review article is to describe what is known about the molecular biology of NF NF-kappa B and to review current understanding of the interaction bet ween reactive oxygen species (ROS) in NF-kappa B, ROS Seem to play a duel r ole by participating in the NF-kappa B activation cascade and by directly m odulating DNA binding affinity, Exogenous and endogenous antioxidants are e ffective in blocking activation of NF-kappa B and preventing the consequenc es of proinflammatory gene expression, Phase II enzymes either directly or indirectly play a major in vivo role in minimizing oxidative stress by scav enging peroxides, peroxide breakdown products and dicarbonyls and in regene ration of lipid peroxidation chain-breaker, vitamin E, Dietary phase II enz yme inducers have been demonstrated to increase phase II enzyme activities in a variety of tissues, These data, together, suggest that phase II enzyme inducers could have therapeutic value for ameliorating inflammatory condit ions.