29/08/2025
Check out what this clinical test report means in REDOXgold…
What is Nrf2 expression?
Why is it important to increase glutathione level to improve cellular wellness?
🔬 What is Nrf2 Expression?
Nrf2 stands for Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2.
It is a master regulatory protein (a transcription factor) that turns on the body’s built-in defense genes against oxidative stress, toxins, and inflammation.
When we say “Nrf2 expression”, we are usually talking about:
1. How much Nrf2 protein is being made in a cell (gene expression level).
2. How active Nrf2 is—whether it has moved into the cell nucleus to switch on protective genes.
So, Nrf2 expression = the presence and activity level of Nrf2 that controls our cellular defense programs.
⚙️ How Nrf2 Works
1. At rest → Nrf2 is kept in the cytoplasm (cell fluid) bound by a protein called KEAP1, which marks it for destruction.
2. Under stress (oxidative stress, toxins, inflammation, or plant compounds like sulforaphane) → KEAP1 releases Nrf2.
3. Activation → Nrf2 travels into the nucleus, binds to specific DNA regions called Antioxidant Response Elements (AREs).
4. Gene switch → Nrf2 switches on hundreds of protective genes, including:
• Glutathione (the body’s master antioxidant)
• Superoxide dismutase (SOD)
• Catalase
• Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)
• Detoxification enzymes (Phase II enzymes)
🌟 Why Nrf2 Expression Matters
• Reduces oxidative stress → neutralizes excess free radicals.
• Lowers inflammation → Nrf2 activation inhibits NF-κB, a major inflammatory pathway.
• Supports detoxification → helps the liver and cells clear chemicals and pollutants.
• Protects mitochondria → stabilizes cellular energy production.
• Linked to longevity → many “anti-aging” plant compounds (curcumin, sulforaphane, resveratrol) partly work by boosting Nrf2.
Glutathione (GSH) is often called the body’s “master antioxidant”, and boosting it is central to wellness. Let me explain step by step:
🔬 What is Glutathione?
• A small molecule made of three amino acids: glutamine, cysteine, and glycine.
• Found in every cell of the body, especially in the liver.
• Works as both an antioxidant and a detoxifier.
🌟 Why Increasing Glutathione Is Important
1. Powerful Antioxidant Defense
• Neutralizes free radicals (unstable molecules that damage DNA, proteins, and fats).
• Protects cells from oxidative stress — one of the main drivers of aging, chronic diseases, and inflammation.
2. Supports Detoxification (Liver Health)
• The liver uses glutathione to bind toxins, heavy metals, and pollutants so they can be excreted in urine or bile.
• Without enough glutathione, detox pathways become sluggish → leading to toxin buildup and fatigue.
3. Immune System Regulation
• Helps immune cells (like lymphocytes and natural killer cells) work effectively.
• Maintains balance: boosts defense against infections, but also prevents overactive inflammation.
4. Cellular Repair & DNA Protection
• Helps recycle other antioxidants (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Alpha-lipoic acid).
• Stabilizes mitochondria (the “power plants” of cells), preventing premature cell death.
• Protects DNA from oxidative mutations that can lead to cancer.
5. Metabolic & Brain Health
• Low glutathione is linked to insulin resistance, neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s), and accelerated aging.
• Adequate levels support mental clarity, energy, and resilience against stress.
📉 What Happens If Glutathione Is Low?
• Fatigue and low energy
• Weaker immunity (frequent colds, infections)
• Higher inflammation (joint pain, chronic illness risk)
• Slower detox → sensitivity to chemicals, alcohol, medications
• Faster cellular aging