KEAP1 and Hepatic fibrosis: Chen et al. demonstrated that the traditional Chinese medicinal extract Xiao-Jian-Zhong decoction reduced cadmium-induced hepatic fibrosis via the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway by inhibiting ferroptosis, thus protecting gastric mucosal cells from damage.49 Under normal physiological conditions, NRF2 is sequestered in the cytoplasm by KEAP1, which facilitates its ubiquitination and subsequent degradation.50 Upon exposure to ROS, KEAP1 is downregulated, impairing NRF2 ubiquitination.