Background:

2-Trifluoromethyl-2'-methoxychalcone is a Nrf2 activator.

Nrf2-mediated activation of antioxidant response element is a key process of molecular mechanisms regulating the protective function of phase II detoxification and antioxidant enzymes against oxidative stress, carcinogenesis, and inflammation.

In vitro: The expression of luciferase gene under the control of NQO1-ARE sequence was measured using stably transfected Beas-2B cells treated with 2-trifluoromethyl-2'-methoxychalcone. Results showed that the exposure to 2-trifluoromethyl-2'-methoxychalcone led to a significant concentration-dependent increase in luciferase activity. Moreover, Beas-2B cells were coincubated with 2-trifluoromethyl-2'-methoxychalcone and with or without N-acetylcysteine, and it was found that 2-trifluoromethyl-2'-methoxychalcone could potentially increase the expression of Nr2-regulated antioxidant genes in the presence of N-acetylcysteine [1].

In vivo: C57BL/6 mice were treated with a single dose of vehicle or 2-trifluoromethyl-2'-methoxychalcone or sulforaphane as the positive control, and small intestines were harvested 24 h later. Results showed that the expression of GCLM and NQO1 in the small intestine of mice treated with 2-trifluoromethyl-2'-methoxychalcone was 6-fold and 10-fold higher compared to vehicle, respectively. In addition, the expression of GCLM and NQO1 in the small intestine treated with 2-trifluoromethyl-2'-methoxychalcone was 3-fold and 5-fold higher compared to sulforaphane, respectively [1].

Clinical trial: Up to now, 2-trifluoromethyl-2'-methoxychalcone is still in the preclinical development stage.

Reference:
[1] V.  Kumar, S. Kumar, M. Hassan, et al. Novel chalcone derivatives as potent Nrf2 activators in mice and human lung epithelial cells. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 54(12), 4147-4159 (2011).