Phloretamide, an apple phenolic compound, activates the Nrf2/ARE pathway in human hepatocytes

► PA promotes Nrf2 activation followed by the induction of phase II enzymes in THLE-2. ► PA enhances the expression of NQO1 and promotes p53 accumulation. ► The induction of cytoprotective enzymes may prevent liver damage in normal tissue. ► PA exerts hepatoprotective, but not chemotherapeutic effects.