Potential mechanism of kaempferol against Cu²+-induced oxidative stress through chelating activity and regulation of nuclear factorerythroid-2-related factor 2 signaling

Metal ions play important roles in various biological processes of living systems. However, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is also closely linked with the participation of redox-active metal ions such as copper, iron, chromium, and cobalt ions. Excessive production of ROS by redox-active metal ions can cause oxidative stress and further oxidative stress-related diseases. This study shows the results of the antioxidant activity of kaempferol in both ORAC∧OH center dot and Cu²+-treated HepG2 cells. Preventive mechanism of kaempferol in Cu²+-treated HepG2 cells is also elucidated. These results suggest that both cellular Cu²+-chelating activity and expression of phase Ⅱ detoxifying enzymes such as HO-1 and GSTA2 through activating Nrf2 are required for cellular antioxidant activity of kaempferol in Cu²+-treated HepG2 cells. Our findings provide the scientific evidence for the development of Nrf2 targeting dietary antioxidant to prevent oxidative stress-related conditions.