What role does NF-κB play in oxidative stress and antioxidant defense?
NF-κB is a crucial player in cellular responses to oxidative stress, a common consequence of exposure to environmental toxins such as heavy metals and pollutants. It regulates the expression of antioxidant proteins, including superoxide dismutase and catalase, that help to neutralize ROS. However, chronic activation due to sustained oxidative stress can exacerbate inflammatory responses, underscoring the importance of balanced NF-κB signaling in cellular homeostasis.
