A Multifunctional (-)-Meptazinol-Serotonin Hybrid Ameliorates Oxidative Stress-Associated Apoptotic Neuronal Death and Memory Deficits via Activating the Nrf2/Antioxidant Enzyme Pathway

Figure 9

Proposed schematic summary of the protective effect of Mep-S against oxidative stress-mediated neuronal apoptosis and cognitive deficits. Mep-S promotes the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 to transcriptionally induce the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as HO-1 and NQO-1 by promoting the dissociation of Nrf2 from Keap1 by inactivating Keap1 and the phosphorylation of Nrf2 by activating Akt. The activation of the Nrf2/antioxidant enzyme pathway causes decreased ROS levels, increased GSH levels and SOD activity, and enhanced oxidant resistance, which may contribute to the protective effect of Mep-s against oxidative stress-mediated neuronal apoptosis and cognitive deficits.