The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of genistein(GEN)on the Nrf2/ARE pathway related factors during protection of oxidative damage induced by β-amyloid peptides(Aβ25-35) in astrocytes (C6cells). Methods Astrocytes was cultured for 48hrs. Aβ25-35(25μmol/L) was used to establish oxidative damage model in astrocytes. Four groups are control group, Aβ group, Gen-treated group (Gen+Aβ group) and Gen group(solo-Gen group).Gen(50μmol/L)was applied 2hrs piror to the addition of Aβ25-35.After 24hrs pretreatment, cells were harvested for assays. The mRNA and protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1(HO-1),catalytic subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase(GCLC)and manganese superoxide dismutase(MnSOD)in astrocytes were tested by RT-PCR and Western Bolt. ResultsComparing with Aβ group, the mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2, HO-1, GCLC and MnSOD significantly increased in Gen-treated group and Gen group(P＜0.05). Conclusion Genistein could inhibit the oxidative damage induced by Aβ25-35in astrocytes through regulating Nrf2/ARE pathway related factors.