HIV-1 gp120 induces antioxidant response element-mediated expression in primary astrocytes: Role in HIV associated neurocognitive disorder

► HIV-1 gp120 upregulates second phase antioxidant defensive enzymes. ► Antioxidants and calcium chelator blocked the upregulation of Nrf2, HO-1 and Nqo1. ► Oxidative stress and calcium play a role in Nrf2 mediated events.