The activation of Nrf2 can elicit the upregulation of HO-1 and SOD1, leading to enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced ROS, thereby ameliorating oxidative stress in diabetic nephropathy, which makes a contribution to the attenuation of diabetes-associated kidney fibrosis and ultimately serves as a preventive measure against diabetic nephropathy (Huang et al., 2015). This evidence concerns the gene NFE2L2 and diabetes mellitus.