Additionally, ASE has proven to attenuate endothelial dysfunction and diminish oxidative and inflammatory burden in endothelial cells by beneficial modulation of antioxidant defense enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, one of the most important transcription factors involved in antioxidant and cytoprotective responses17,18. This evidence concerns the gene NFE2L2 and endothelial dysfunction.