Oxidative stress can activate ARE and enhance the expression of two Nrf2-targeted antioxidant genes, namely NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and CAT.15,16 The Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway is crucial for endogenous antioxidant stress, which is of great significance in alleviating and treating DN. This evidence concerns the gene SOD1 and liver dysplastic nodule.