2-HBA is an inducer of the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway.

Keap1-Nrf2-ARE directly react with Keap1, the sensor protein for inducers, leads to enhanced transcription of phase 2 genes and protection against oxidant and electrophile toxicities.

In vitro: 2-HBA could markedly increase the activities of NAD(P)H:quinone acceptor oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and glutathione reductase, the levels of total glutathione, as well as the phase 2 response markers. In addition, at high concentrations 2-HBA caused G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, the mutant L1210 cell line was found to be more sensitive to the apoptotic effects of 2-HBA [1].

In vivo: The effect of 2-HBA on the DMBA-induced expression of the Ha-ras gene in isolated RNA tissues of CBA/Ca inbred mice was investigated. According to the previous findings, elevated Ha-ras expression was obserrved even 24 h after DMBA treatment. Administration of 2-HBA with DMBA could lead to a decrease of the DMBA-induced Ha-ras gene expression in all the investigated tissues, suggesting metabolic interaction of 2-HBA and DMBA. In addiiton, administration of 2-HBA 24 h prior to the DMBA treatment was able to reduce the Ha-ras gene expression in all tested tissues except the liver, which could be the result of a possible CYP1A inducer and pro-oxidant effects of 2-HBA [2].

Clinical trial: Up to now, 2-HBA is still in the preclinical development stage.

References:
[1] A.  T. Dinkova-Kostova, A. H. Cory, R. E. Bozak, et al. Bis(2-hydroxybenzylidene)acetone, a potent inducer of the phase 2 response, causes apoptosis in mouse leukemia cells through a p53-independent, caspase-mediated pathway. Cancer Letters 245, 341-349 (2007).
[2] Perjési P, Ember I, Bozak RE, Nádasi E, Rozmer Z, Varjas T, Hicks RJ.  Effect of the chalcone analog E,E-bis(2-hydroxybenzylidene) acetone on the 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced Ha-ras gene activity in vivo. In Vivo. 2006 Jan-Feb;20(1):141-6.