Agents that stimulate nuclear translocation of Nrf2 protein and the
subsequent increases in gene products that detoxify and eliminate
cytotoxic metabolites are provided in a method for treating diabetic
retinopathy or drusen formation in age-related macular degeneration. The
structurally diverse agents that act on the Nrf2/ARE pathway induce the
expression of enzymes and proteins that possess chemically versatile
cytoprotective properties and are a defense against toxic metabolites and
xenobiotics. Agents include certain electrophiles and oxidants such as a
Michael Addition acceptor, diphenol, thiocarbamate, quinone,
1,2-dithiole-3-thione, butylated hydroxyanisole, flavonoid other than
genistein, an isothiocyanate, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene,
ethoxyquin, a coumarin, combinations thereof, or a pharmacologically
active derivative or analog thereof.
