Abstract: Nuclear factor E2 related factor 2（Nrf2） is a pivotal regulator of antioxidative stress. Under normal condition，its degradation is mediated in the cytoplasm and therefore don′t exert physiologic function. When it was been activated by detrimental assault，Nrf2 can translocate into nuclear to bind with the antioxidant response element（ARE） then to form the Nrf2-ARE signal pathway，which subsequently activates a series of protective genes and proteins including catalase（CAT），superoxide dismutase （SOD），NAD（P）H:quinine oxidoreductase 1 （NQO1） and heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1）. These enzymes play an important role in protecting somatic cells from detrimental assault. Researches have demonstrated that the pathway is associated with inflammation，tumor，aging，apoptosis，nervous injury and fertility as well as obstetrical and gynecological diseases closely. In order to understand the physiologic function of the pathway comprehensively，the present review is proposed.

Key words: Transcription factors, Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2, Antioxidant response element, Signal pathway