NFE2L2 and endothelial dysfunction: Based on the observation that loss Nrf2 in non-hematopoietic tissue was found to worsen intravascular hemolysis and enhance endothelial dysfunction with aging, we hypothesized that a drug which activates Nrf2 in vascular endothelial cells, would improve endothelial dysfunction with aging and protect HbS erythrocytes in a paracrine manner.