Nrf2 Deficiency Exacerbated CLP-induced Pulmonary Injury and Inflammation through the Regulation of Autophagy Mediated Macrophage Polarization

The balance between M1 and M2 macrophage polarization is involved in the regulation of pulmonary inflammation. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a nuclear transcription factor, is reported to play protective roles in acute lung injury (ALI) and inflammation, and increasing evidences indicate that the protective effects of Nrf2 are closely related to autophagy. This study aimed to explore whether Nrf2 is involved in sepsis-induced acute pulmonary injury and inflammation, and the roles of autophagy and macrophage polarization in this process.