Downregulation of Nrf2 not only dampened the effects of EA pretreatment on PTSD-like behaviors but also reduced EA-induced increased neurogenesis in the hippocampus, indicating that the neuroprotective effects of EA pretreatment on PTSD rats may involve the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. The gene discussed is NFE2L2; the disease is post-traumatic stress disorder.