Role of the Keap1–Nrf2 system in cellular response to cadmium was examined.
We used bovine aortic endothelial cells as a model of the vascular endothelium.
Exposure of cells to cadmium resulted in modification of Keap1 and Nrf2 activation.
Keap1–Nrf2 system participated in the modulation of metallothionein-1/2 expression.
Nrf2 was recruited to the antioxidant response element of MT2 promoter region.