Antioxidant effects of resveratrol and other stilbene derivatives on oxidative stress and NO bioavailability: Potential benefits to cardiovascular diseases

Treatment of cardiovascular pathology with epigenetically active agents: Focus on natural and synthetic inhibitors of DNA methylation and histone deacetylation

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) retains a leadership as a major cause of human death worldwide. Although a substantial progress was attained in the development of cardioprotective and vasculoprotective drugs, a search for new efficient therapeutic strategies and promising targets is under way. Modulation of epigenetic CVD mechanisms through administration epigenetically active agents is one of such new approaches. Epigenetic mechanisms involve heritable changes in gene expression that are not linked to the alteration of DNA sequence. Pathogenesis of CVDs is associated with global genome-wide changes in DNA methylation and histone modifications. Epigenetically active compounds that influence activity of epigenetic modulators such as DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), histone acetyltransferases, histone deacetylases (HDACs), etc. may correct these pathogenic changes in the epigenome and therefore be used for CVD therapy. To date, many epigenetically active natural substances (such as polyphenols and flavonoids) and synthetic compounds such as DNMT inhibitors or HDAC inhibitors are known. Both native and chemical DNMT and HDAC inhibitors possess a wide range of cytoprotective activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-anfibrotic, and anti-hypertrophic properties, which are beneficial of treatment of a variety of CVDs. However, so far, only synthetic DNMT inhibitors enter clinical trials while synthetic HDAC inhibitors are still under evaluation in preclinical studies. In this review, we consider epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modifications in cardiovascular pathology and the epigenetics-based therapeutic approaches focused on the implementation of DNMT and HDAC inhibitors.

Effects of Resveratrol Supplementation in Nrf2 and NF-κB Expressions in Nondialyzed Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION

Resveratrol is a phenolic compound that has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, resulting from enhanced antioxidant enzymes production and modulating nuclear factors involved in the inflammation-oxidative stress cycle, as nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB).

OBJECTIVE

The study aim was to evaluate the effects of resveratrol supplementation on Nrf2 and NF-κB expression in nondialyzed chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, crossover trial was performed in 20 nondialyzed CKD patients (62.0 ± 8.0 years old, 45% men, body mass index of 27.7 ± 1.2 kg/m², estimated glomerular filtration rate of 34.0 ± 13.0 mL/minute). Eleven patients were randomly allocated to "placebo first" (4 weeks placebo; 8 weeks washout, 4 weeks 500 mg of resveratrol/day) and 9 to "resveratrol first" (4 weeks 500 mg of resveratrol/day, 8 weeks washout, 4 weeks placebo). The peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and processed for expression Nrf2 and NF-κB by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Proinflammatory cytokines and antioxidant enzymes were also measured.

RESULTS

The effect size of Nrf2 supplementation (-0.13, P = .29) and NF-κB (0.09, P = .31) was not significant. There was no difference in proinflammatory biomarkers or antioxidant biomarkers after resveratrol supplementation.

CONCLUSION

In this pilot study, 500 mg of resveratrol supplementation for 4 weeks had no antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect in nondialyzed CKD patients. Additional studies with differing doses and/or time of treatment should be conducted to better elucidate the effects of the resveratrol supplementation in CKD patients.

Tetrahydropyrrolization of Resveratrol and Other Stilbenes Improves Inhibitory Effects on DNA Oxidation

The inhibitory effect of resveratrol on DNA oxidation caused by 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH) was found to be enhanced if the C=C bond in resveratrol was converted into tetrahydropyrrole by reaction with azomethine ylide (CH2 =N(+) (CH3 )CH2 (-) ). This encouraged us to explore whether the inhibitory activities of other stilbenes could also be increased by the same method. We found that the inhibitory effects of the tetrahydropyrrole derivatives on AAPH-induced oxidation of DNA were higher than those of the corresponding stilbenes, because the tetrahydropyrrole motif can provide hydrogen atoms to be abstracted by radicals. Therefore, the tetrahydropyrrolization offered an advantage for enhancing the antioxidant effects of stilbenes. Notably, (CH3 )3 SiCH2 N(CH3 )CH2 OCH3 (in the presence of CF3 COOH) and (CH3 )3 NO (in the presence of LiN(iPr)2 ) can be used to generate azomethine ylide for the tetrahydropyrrolization of stilbenes containing electron-withdrawing and -donating groups, respectively.

Resveratrol and Cardiovascular Diseases

The increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has stimulated research for substances that could improve cardiovascular health. Among them, resveratrol (RES), a polyphenolic compound notably present in grapes and red wine, has been involved in the “French paradox”. RES is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and for its ability to upregulate endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). RES was able to scavenge ^•OH/O₂^•− and peroxyl radicals, which can limit the lipid peroxidation processes. Moreover, in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) under glucose-induced oxidative stress, RES restored the activity of dimethylargininedimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH), an enzyme that degrades an endogenous inhibitor of eNOS named asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Thus, RES could improve ^•NO availability and decrease the endothelial dysfunction observed in diabetes. Preclinical studies have made it possible to identify molecular targets (SIRT-1, AMPK, Nrf2, NFκB…); however, there are limited human clinical trials, and difficulties in the interpretation of results arise from the use of high-dose RES supplements in research studies, whereas low RES concentrations are present in red wine. The discussions on potential beneficial effects of RES in CVDs (atherosclerosis, hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure) should compare the results of preclinical studies with those of clinical trials.

Mechanisms of vascular dysfunction in acute phase of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mice

Vascular disorders have a direct link to mortality in the acute phase of Trypanosoma cruzi infection. However, the underlying mechanisms of vascular dysfunction in this phase are largely unknown. We hypothesize that T. cruzi invades endothelial cells causing dysfunction in contractility and relaxation of the mouse aorta. Immunodetection of T. cruzi antigen TcRBP28 was observed in endothelial cells. There was a decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-derived NO-dependent vascular relaxation, and increased vascular contractility accompanied by augmented superoxide anions production. Endothelial removal, inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), blockade of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) TP receptors, and scavenger of superoxide normalized the contractile response. COX-2, thromboxane synthase, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), p65 NFκB subunit and p22(phox) of NAD(P)H oxidase (NOX) subunit expressions were increased in vessels of chagasic animals. Serum TNF-α was augmented. Basal NO production, and nitrotyrosine residue expression were increased. It is concluded that T. cruzi invades mice aorta endothelial cells and increases TXA2/TP receptor/NOX-derived superoxide formation. Alongside, T. cruzi promotes systemic TNF-α increase, which stimulates iNOS expression in vessels and nitrosative stress. In light of the heart failure that develops in the chronic phase of the disease, to understand the mechanism involved in the increased contractility of the aorta is crucial.

New insights into the vibrational and optical signatures of trans-stilbene via integrated experimental and quantum mechanical approaches

The structure, spectroscopic parameters and optical properties of stilbene have been investigated by a computational protocol including suitable treatment of anharmonic contributions together with new experimental results.

Cancer prevention and therapy through the modulation of the tumor microenvironment

Cancer arises in the context of an in vivo tumor microenvironment. This microenvironment is both a cause and consequence of tumorigenesis. Tumor and host cells co-evolve dynamically through indirect and direct cellular interactions, eliciting multiscale effects on many biological programs, including cellular proliferation, growth, and metabolism, as well as angiogenesis and hypoxia and innate and adaptive immunity. Here we highlight specific biological processes that could be exploited as targets for the prevention and therapy of cancer. Specifically, we describe how inhibition of targets such as cholesterol synthesis and metabolites, reactive oxygen species and hypoxia, macrophage activation and conversion, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase regulation of dendritic cells, vascular endothelial growth factor regulation of angiogenesis, fibrosis inhibition, endoglin, and Janus kinase signaling emerge as examples of important potential nexuses in the regulation of tumorigenesis and the tumor microenvironment that can be targeted. We have also identified therapeutic agents as approaches, in particular natural products such as berberine, resveratrol, onionin A, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, curcumin, naringenin, desoxyrhapontigenin, piperine, and zerumbone, that may warrant further investigation to target the tumor microenvironment for the treatment and/or prevention of cancer.

Influence of Sorghum Kafirin on Serum Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Activity in Hyperlipidemic Rats (In Vitro and In Vivo Studies)

The aim of this study was to compare in vitro the antioxidant potential of sorghum kafirin and sorghum flour and their influence on lipids and antioxidant capacity in rats. The antioxidant activity in sorghum kafirin extract measured by the DPPH and TEAC methods was increased 30 and 65 times, respectively, compared to that of its counterpart, sorghum flour. According to electrophoresis assay, the kafirins tert-butanol extract showed a high proportion of α-kafirin monomers, and its amino acid composition revealed higher hydrophobic amino acid content such as alanine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine and phenylalanine than sorghum flour extract. Diets supplemented with sorghum kafirin extract have improved lipid metabolism and increased the serum antioxidant potential (67%) especially in rats fed with added cholesterol. The bioactive peptides generated from kafirin in vivo hydrolysis appear to be associated with the positive effect on serum lipids and antioxidant activity. According to these results, sorghum kafirin extract at the levels used in this study apparently could be used for prevention of atherosclerosis and other chronic diseases.

Effects of pterostilbene and resveratrol on brain and behavior

Age is the greatest universal risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. During aging, these conditions progress from minor loss of function to major disruptions in daily life, loss of independence and ultimately death. Because approximately 25% of the world population is expected to be older than age 65 by 2050, and no treatments exist to halt or reverse ongoing neurodegeneration, the need for effective prevention strategies is more pressing that ever before. A growing body of research supports the role of diet in healthy aging, particularly diets rich in bioactive phytochemical compounds. Recently, stilbenes such as resveratrol (3, 5, 4'-trans-trihydroxystilbene) and its analogue, pterostilbene, have gained a significant amount of attention for their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. However, evidence for the beneficial effects of stilbenes on cerebral function is just beginning to emerge. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of resveratrol and pterostilbene in improving brain health during aging, with specific focus on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory signaling and behavioral outcomes.

Synthesis of Stilbene Derivatives: A Comparative Study of their Antioxidant Activities

A series of structurally simple compounds belonging to thestilbene family were synthesized by means of a Ti(III)-mediated methodology that allows access, in an efficient manner, to derivatives of dihydrostilbene, E-stilbene, and stilbene oxide, with high yields. The antioxidant activity of these compounds has been evaluated by means of two electrochemical assays, which provide complementary information, showing that the majority of these stilbene analogs exhibit significant antioxidant activity dependent on the electronic structure and functionalization of the molecule in each case.

Polyphenol Stilbenes: Molecular Mechanisms of Defence against Oxidative Stress and Aging-Related Diseases

Numerous studies have highlighted the key roles of oxidative stress and inflammation in aging-related diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In aging cells, the natural antioxidant capacity decreases and the overall efficiency of reparative systems against cell damage becomes impaired. There is convincing data that stilbene compounds, a diverse group of natural defence phenolics, abundant in grapes, berries, and conifer bark waste, may confer a protective effect against aging-related diseases. This review highlights recent data helping to clarify the molecular mechanisms involved in the stilbene-mediated protection against oxidative stress. The impact of stilbenes on the nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) mediated cellular defence against oxidative stress as well as the potential roles of SQSTM1/p62 protein in Nrf2/Keap1 signaling and autophagy will be summarized. The therapeutic potential of stilbene compounds against the most common aging-related diseases is discussed.

Transgenic supplementation of SIRT1 fails to alleviate acute loss of nigrostriatal dopamine neurons and gliosis in a mouse model of MPTP-induced parkinsonism

Background Dopamine (DA) neuron-selective uptake and toxicity of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) causes parkinsonism in humans. Loss of DA neurons via mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress is reproduced by systemic injection of MPTP in animals, which serves as models of parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to test whether pan-neural supplementation of the longevity-related, pleiotropic deacetylase SIRT1, which confers partial tolerance to at least three models of stroke and neurodegeneration, could also alleviate MPTP-induced acute pathological changes in nigrostriatal DA neurons and neighboring glia. Results We employed a line of prion promoter-driven Sirt1-transgenic (Sirt1Tg) mice that chronically overexpress murine SIRT1 in the brain and spinal cord. Sirt1Tg and wild-type (WT) male littermates (3‒4 months old) were subjected to intraperitoneal injection of MPTP. Acute histopathological changes in the midbrain and striatum (caudoputamen) were assessed with serial coronal sections triply labeled for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and nuclear DNA. In the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of the midbrain, the number of TH-positive neurons and the reactive gliosis were comparable between the Sirt1Tg and WT littermates. In the striatum, the relative fluorescence intensity of TH-positive nerve terminals and the level of gliosis did not differ by the genotypes. Conclusions Sirt1Tg and WT littermate mice exhibited comparable acute histopathological reactions to the systemic injection of MPTP, loss of TH-positive neurons and reactive gliosis. Thus, the genetic supplementation of SIRT1 does not confer histologically recognizable protection on nigrostriatal DA neurons against acute toxicity of MPTP.

Antioxidants: Characterization, natural sources, extraction and analysis

Recently many review papers regarding antioxidants from different sources and different extraction and quantification procedures have been published. However none of them has all the information regarding antioxidants (chemistry, sources, extraction and quantification). This article tries to take a different perspective on antioxidants for the new researcher involved in this field. Antioxidants from fruit, vegetables and beverages play an important role in human health, for example preventing cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and lowering the incidence of different diseases. In this paper the main classes of antioxidants are presented: vitamins, carotenoids and polyphenols. Recently, many analytical methodologies involving diverse instrumental techniques have been developed for the extraction, separation, identification and quantification of these compounds. Antioxidants have been quantified by different researchers using one or more of these methods: in vivo, in vitro, electrochemical, chemiluminescent, electron spin resonance, chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, nuclear magnetic resonance, near infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry methods.

The potential benefits of red beetroot supplementation in health and disease

In recent years there has been a growing interest in the biological activity of red beetroot (Beta vulgaris rubra) and its potential utility as a health promoting and disease preventing functional food. As a source of nitrate, beetroot ingestion provides a natural means of increasing in vivo nitric oxide (NO) availability and has emerged as a potential strategy to prevent and manage pathologies associated with diminished NO bioavailability, notably hypertension and endothelial function. Beetroot is also being considered as a promising therapeutic treatment in a range of clinical pathologies associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Its constituents, most notably the betalain pigments, display potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and chemo-preventive activity in vitro and in vivo. The purpose of this review is to discuss beetroot’s biological activity and to evaluate evidence from studies that specifically investigated the effect of beetroot supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, cognition and endothelial function.

Modulation of nitric oxide by flavonoids

One of the main mechanisms by which dietary flavonoids are thought to influence cardiovascular disease is via protection of the bioactivity of the endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO). Additionally, flavonoids may also interfere with the signalling cascades of inflammation and prevent overproduction of NO and its deleterious consequences in shock and ischemia-reperfusion injury. In the present paper we review the evidence of the effects of flavonoids on NO. Flavonoids exert complex actions on the synthesis and bioavailability of NO which may result both in enhanced or decreased NO levels: (1) in cell free systems, several flavonoids may scavenge NO via its pro-oxidant properties by increasing superoxide. However, under conditions of oxidative stress, flavonoids may also protect NO from superoxide-driven inactivation. (2) In intact healthy tissues, some flavonoids increase eNOS activity in endothelial cells. Paradoxically this effect involves a pro-oxidant effect which results in Ca(2+)-dependent activation of eNOS. As inhibitors of PI3K, flavonoids may potentially inhibit the PI3K/Akt-dependent activation of eNOS. (3) Under conditions of inflammation and oxidative stress, flavonoids may prevent the inflammatory signalling cascades via inhibition of NFκB and thereby downregulate iNOS. On the other hand, they also prevent the overexpression of ROS generating enzymes, reducing superoxide and peroxynitrite levels, and hence preventing superoxide-induced NO inactivation and eNOS uncoupling. Therefore, the final effect of flavonoids on NO levels will depend on the flavonoid structure and the concentrations used, on the cell type under study and particularly on the presence of inflammatory/oxidative conditions.

Resveratrol and diabetes: from animal to human studies

Diabetes mellitus is a serious disease affecting about 5% of people worldwide. Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia and impairment in insulin secretion and/or action. Moreover, diabetes is associated with metabolic abnormalities and serious complications. Resveratrol is a natural, biologically active polyphenol present in different plant species and known to have numerous health-promoting effects in both animals and humans. Anti-diabetic action of resveratrol has been extensively studied in animal models and in diabetic humans. In animals with experimental diabetes, resveratrol has been demonstrated to induce beneficial effects that ameliorate diabetes. Resveratrol, among others, improves glucose homeostasis, decreases insulin resistance, protects pancreatic β-cells, improves insulin secretion and ameliorates metabolic disorders. Effects induced by resveratrol are strongly related to the capability of this compound to increase expression/activity of AMPK and SIRT1 in various tissues of diabetic subjects. Moreover, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol were shown to be also involved in its action in diabetic animals. Preliminary clinical trials show that resveratrol is also effective in type 2 diabetic patients. Resveratrol may, among others, improve glycemic control and decrease insulin resistance. These results show that resveratrol holds great potential to treat diabetes and would be useful to support conventional therapy. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Resveratrol: Challenges in translating pre-clincial findigns to improved patient outcomes.

Resveratrol inhibits sodium/iodide symporter gene expression and function in rat thyroid cells

Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in grapes and berries that has antioxidant, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties. For these reasons, it is available as a dietary supplement, and it is under investigation in several clinical trials. Few data are available regarding the effects of resveratrol on thyroid function. A previous study showed that resveratrol transiently increases iodide influx in FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells. Indeed, this increase arises after short treatment times (6–12 h), and no further effects are seen after 24 h. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol on iodide uptake and sodium/iodide symporter expression in thyroid cells after longer times of treatment. For this purpose, the effects of resveratrol were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo using the rat thyroid FRTL-5 cell line and Sprague-Dawley rats, respectively. In FRTL-5 cells, resveratrol decreased the sodium/iodide symporter RNA and protein expression as a function of time. Furthermore, resveratrol decreased cellular iodide uptake after 48 h of treatment. The inhibitory effect of resveratrol on iodide uptake was confirmed in vivo in Sprague-Dawley rats. This study demonstrates that with longer-term treatment, resveratrol is an inhibitor of sodium/iodide symporter gene expression and function in the thyroid. These data suggest that resveratrol can act as a thyroid disruptor, which indicates the need for caution as a supplement and in therapeutic use.

Resveratrol sensitizes selectively thyroid cancer cell to 131-iodine toxicity

Background. In this study, the radiosensitizing effect of resveratrol as a natural product was investigated on cell toxicity induced by (131)I in thyroid cancer cell. Methods. Human thyroid cancer cell and human nonmalignant fibroblast cell (HFFF2) were treated with (131)I and/or resveratrol at different concentrations for 48 h. The cell proliferation was measured by determination of the percent of the survival cells using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results. Findings of this study show that resveratrol enhanced the cell death induced by (131)I on thyroid cancer cell. Also, resveratrol exhibited a protective effect on normal cells against (131)I toxicity. Conclusion. This result indicates a promising effect of resveratrol on improvement of cellular toxicity during iodine therapy.

Resveratrol prevents hypoxia-induced arginase II expression and proliferation of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells via Akt-dependent signaling

Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation plays a fundamental role in the vascular remodeling seen in pulmonary hypertensive diseases associated with hypoxia. Arginase II, an enzyme regulating the first step in polyamine and proline synthesis, has been shown to play a critical role in hypoxia-induced proliferation of human PASMC (hPASMC). In addition, there is evidence that patients with pulmonary hypertension have elevated levels of arginase in the vascular wall. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol found in red wine and grape skins, has diverse biochemical and physiological actions including antiproliferative properties. Furthermore, resveratrol has been shown to attenuate right ventricular and pulmonary artery remodeling, both pathological components of pulmonary hypertension. The present studies tested the hypothesis that resveratrol would prevent hypoxia-induced pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation by inhibiting hypoxia-induced arginase II expression. Our data indicate that hypoxia-induced hPASMC proliferation is abrogated following treatment with resveratrol. In addition, the hypoxic induction of arginase II was directly attenuated by resveratrol treatment. Furthermore, we found that the inhibitory effect of resveratrol on arginase II in hPASMC was mediated through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Supporting these in vitro findings, resveratrol normalized right ventricular hypertrophy in an in vivo neonatal rat model of chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. These novel data support the notion that resveratrol may be a potential therapeutic agent in pulmonary hypertension by preventing PASMC arginase II induction and proliferation.

Plant-derived anti-inflammatory compounds: hopes and disappointments regarding the translation of preclinical knowledge into clinical progress

Many diseases have been described to be associated with inflammatory processes. The currently available anti-inflammatory drug therapy is often not successful or causes intolerable side effects. Thus, new anti-inflammatory substances are still urgently needed. Plants were the first source of remedies in the history of mankind. Since their chemical characterization in the 19th century, herbal bioactive compounds have fueled drug development. Also, nowadays, new plant-derived agents continuously enrich our drug arsenal (e.g., vincristine, galantamine, and artemisinin). The number of new, pharmacologically active herbal ingredients, in particular that of anti-inflammatory compounds, rises continuously. The major obstacle in this field is the translation of preclinical knowledge into evidence-based clinical progress. Human trials of good quality are often missing or, when available, are frequently not suitable to really prove a therapeutical value. This minireview will summarize the current situation of 6 very prominent plant-derived anti-inflammatory compounds: curcumin, colchicine, resveratrol, capsaicin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and quercetin. We will highlight their clinical potential and/or pinpoint an overestimation. Moreover, we will sum up the planned trials in order to provide insights into the inflammatory disorders that are hypothesized to be beneficially influenced by the compound.

Identification of resveratrol oligomers as inhibitors of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator by high-throughput screening of natural products from chinese medicinal plants

Inhibitors of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) have been widely used for characterizing CFTR function in epithelial fluid transport and in diseases such as secretory diarrhea, polycystic kidney disease and cystic fibrosis. Few small molecule CFTR inhibitors have been discovered so far from combinatorial compound library. In the present study, we used a high throughput screening (HTS)-based natural product discovery strategy to identify new CFTR inhibitors from Chinese medicinal herbs. By screening 40,000 small molecule fractions from 500 herbal plants, we identified 42 positive fractions from 5 herbs and isolated two compounds that inhibited CFTR conductance from Chinese wild grapevine (Vitis amurensis Rupr). Mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies determined the two active compounds as trans-ε-viniferin (TV) and r-2-viniferin (RV), respectively. Both compounds dose-dependently blocked CFTR-mediated iodide influx with IC₅₀ around 20 μM. Further analysis by excised inside-out patch-clamp indicated strong inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA)-activated CFTR chloride currents by TV and RV. In ex vivo studies, TV and RV inhibited CFTR-mediated short-circuit Cl⁻ currents in isolated rat colonic mucosa in a dose-dependent manner. In a closed-loop mouse model, intraluminal applications of TV (2.5 μg) and RV (4.5 μg) significantly reduced cholera toxin–induced intestinal fluid secretion. The present study identified two resveratrol oligomers as new CFTR inhibitors and validates our high-throughput screening method for discovery of bioactive compounds from natural products with complex chemical ingredients such as herbal plants.

The Role of Functional Foods in Cutaneous Anti-aging

Oral supplementation of micronutrients, or functional foods, to prevent aging has gained much attention and popularity as society ages and becomes more affluent, and as science reveals the pathological mechanisms of aging. Aging of the skin combines biologic aging and extrinsic aging caused predominantly by sunlight and other environmental toxins. Anti-aging functional foods exert their influence mostly through their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, thereby abrogating collagen degradation and/or increasing procollagen synthesis. Clinical evidence supporting a role in preventing cutaneous aging is available for oral supplements such as carotenoids, polyphenols, chlorophyll, aloe vera, vitamins C and E, red ginseng, squalene, and omega-3 fatty acids. Collagen peptides and proteoglycans are claimed to provide building blocks of the dermal matrix. This review summarizes the current study findings of these functional foods.

Bioactive stilbenes from Vitis vinifera grapevine shoots extracts

BACKGROUND

Viticultural residues from commercial viticultural activities represent a potentially important source of bioactive stilbenes such as resveratrol. The main aim of the present study was therefore to isolate, identify and perform biological assays against amyloid-β peptide aggregation of original stilbenes from Vitis vinifera shoots.

RESULTS

A new resveratrol oligomer, (Z)-cis-miyabenol C (3), was isolated from Vitis vinifera grapevine shoots together with two newly reported oligostilbenes from Vitis vinifera shoots, vitisinol C (1) and (E)-cis-miyabenol C (2), and six known compounds: piceatannol, resveratrol, (E)-ε-viniferin (trans-ε-viniferin), ω-viniferin, vitisinol C and (E)-miyabenol C. The structures of these resveratrol derivatives were established on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis including nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. All the newly reported compounds were tested for their anti-aggregative activity against amyloid-β fibril formation. Vitisinol C was found to exert a significant activity against amyloid-β aggregation.

CONCLUSION

Vitis vinifera grapevine shoots are potentially interesting as a source of new bioactive stilbenes, such as vitisinol C.

Resveratrol metabolism in a non-human primate, the grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus), using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight

The grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus) is a non-human primate used to study the ageing process. Resveratrol is a polyphenol that may increase lifespan by delaying age-associated pathologies. However, no information about resveratrol absorption and metabolism is available for this primate. Resveratrol and its metabolites were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed in male mouse-lemur plasma (after 200 mg.kg⁻¹ of oral resveratrol) by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), coupled to a quadrupole-time-of-flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometer used in full-scan mode. Data analyses showed, in MS^E mode, an ion common to resveratrol and all its metabolites: m/z 227.072, and an ion common to dihydro-resveratrol metabolites: m/z 229.08. A semi-targeted study enabled us to identify six hydrophilic resveratrol metabolites (one diglucurono-conjugated, two monoglucurono-conjugated, one monosulfo-conjugated and two both sulfo- and glucurono-conjugated derivatives) and three hydrophilic metabolites of dihydro-resveratrol (one monoglucurono-conjugated, one monosulfo-conjugated, and one both sulfo- and glucurono-conjugated derivatives). The presence of such metabolites has been already detected in the mouse, rat, pig, and humans. Free resveratrol was measurable for several hours in mouse-lemur plasma, and its two main metabolites were trans-resveratrol-3-O-glucuronide and trans-resveratrol-3-sulfate. Free dihydro-resveratrol was not measurable whatever the time of plasma collection, while its hydrophilic metabolites were present at 24 h after intake. These data will help us interpret the effect of resveratrol in mouse lemurs and provide further information on the inter-species characteristics of resveratrol metabolism.

In vitro effects of resveratrol on oxidative stress in diabetic platelets

To evaluate the in vitro effects of resveratrol (RSV) incubation on platelets from compensated and decompensated diabetic patients in order to use it as an adjuvant therapy. The study was performed on 77 diabetic patients and divided into two phases: 29 compensated and 48 decompensated diabetic platelets were analyzed at recruitment (T₀) and after in vitro RSV incubation (20 μg/ml) for 3 h at 37 °C (T₁). Lipoperoxide and nitric oxide (NO) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Na(+)/K(+) ATPase activities, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and membrane fluidity tested by anisotropy of fluorescent probes TMA-DPH and DPH were determined. In vitro RSV incubation counteracts oxidative damage associated with diabetes and its complications; it is able to improve platelet function through augmented membrane fluidity and Na(+)/K(+) ATPase activity; it enhances antioxidant systems' functionality by increasing NO levels, SOD activity, and TAC and by decreasing lipoperoxide levels in both compensated and decompensated patients. Such platelet functionality enhancement suggests a new method of secondary prevention of complications associated with platelet dysfunction. Being free from one of the major risks associated with many antidiabetic agents, it can be assumed that RSV utilization in the diabetic diet may have a preventive and protective role in the progression of diabetic oxidative damage.

The comparative analysis of the potential relationship between resveratrol and stilbene synthase gene family in the development stages of grapes (Vitis quinquangularis and Vitis vinifera)

Resveratrol is positively correlated with grapevine disease resistance and its consumption is also highly beneficial to human health. HPLC analyses showed that resveratrol content was significantly higher in most wild Chinese grapevines than in most European Vitis vinifera grapevine cvs. Fruit of the wild Chinese genotype Vitis quinquangularis Danfeng-2 contains much higher levels of resveratrol than some others. Because stilbene synthase is responsible for resveratrol biosynthesis, 41 full-length stilbene synthase genes were isolated from Danfeng-2 using the RACE method. A neighbor-joining tree of the STS family displayed high similarity between Danfeng-2 and V. vinifera cv. Pinot Noir. The content of the endogenous stilbene synthase family in tissues and the expression levels induced by powdery mildew were both higher in Danfeng-2 than in Pinot Noir. Moreover, expression in the berry was significantly higher than in the leaves. Our results demonstrated that resveratrol accumulation was consistent with endogenous STS gene expressions, and that both were higher in Danfeng-2 than in Pinot Noir. Therefore, STS genes and producing resveratrol from V. quinquangularis played more important role in Vitis resistance. Otherwise, the gene VqSTS6 was markedly higher than the other VqSTS genes in the six tissues/organs assayed by Real-time PCR, which will offer a useful basis for commercial application of resveratrol from Chinese wild grapes.

2-[(E)-2-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)ethenyl]-1-methylpyridinium 4-bromobenzenesulfonate monohydrate

The title salt crystallized as the monohydrate C₁₅H₁₆NO₂⁺·C₆H₄BrSO₃⁻·H₂O. The cation exists in an E conformation with respect to the ethynyl bond and is essentially planar, with a dihedral angle of 6.52 (14)° between the pyridinium and the benzene rings. The hy­droxy and meth­oxy substituents are coplanar with the benzene ring to which they are attached, with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.0116 (3) Å for the nine non-H atoms [C_meth­yl—O—C—C torsion angle = −0.8 (4)°]. In the crystal, the cations and anions are stacked by π–π inter­actions, with centroid–centroid distances of 3.7818 (19) and 3.9004 (17) Å. The cations, anions and water mol­ecules are linked by O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds and weak C—H⋯O inter­actions, forming a three-dimensional network.

Resveratrol mainly stimulates the glycolytic ATP synthesis flux and not the mitochondrial one: a saturation transfer NMR study in perfused and isolated rat liver

Our aim was to monitor the effects of resveratrol (RSV) on the respective contribution of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation on the unidirectional flux of ATP synthesis in whole isolated rat liver perfused with Krebs-Henseleit Buffer (KHB). The rate of tissular ATP supply was measured directly by monitoring the chemical exchange Pi toward ATP with saturation transfer (ST) (31)P nuclear magnetic resonance, a method applied for the first time for studying the effects of RSV. ST allows the measurement of the total cellular Pi→ATP chemical exchange; after specific inhibition of glycolysis with iodacetate, ST could provide the Pi→ATP flux issued from mitochondria. This latter was compared to mitochondrial ATP turn-over evaluated after chemical ischemia (CI), performed with specific inhibition (KCN) of oxidative phosphorylation, and measured by standard (31)P NMR spectroscopy. In controls (KHB alone), the apparent time constant (ks) of Pi exchange toward ATP as measured by ST was 0.48±0.04s(-1) leading to a total ATP synthesis rate of 37±3.9μmolmin(-1)g(-1). KHB+RSV perfusion increased ks (+52%; p=0.0009 vs. KHB) leading to an enhanced rate of total ATP synthesis (+52%; p=0.01 vs. KHB). When glycolysis was previously inhibited in KHB, both ks and ATP synthesis flux dramatically decreased (-87% and -86%, respectively, p<0.0001 vs. KHB without inhibition), evidencing a collapse of Pi-to-ATP exchange. However, glycolysis inhibition in KHB+RSV reduced to less extent ks (-41%, p=0.0005 vs. KHB+RSV without inhibition) and ATP synthesis flux (-18%). Using the CI method in KHB and KHB+RSV, KCN addition after glycolysis inhibition induced a rapid fall to zero of the ATP content. The mitochondrial ATP turnover R(t0) and its time constant kd mito were similar in KHB (1.18±0.19μmolmin(-1)g(-1) and 0.91±0.13min(-1)) and KHB+RSV (1.36±0.26μmolmin(-1)g(-1) and 0.77±0.18min(-1)). Since mitochondrial ATP turnover was not increased by RSV, the stimulation of Pi-to-ATP exchange by RSV mainly reflected an increase in glycolytic ATP synthesis flux. Moreover, the maintenance by RSV of a high level of Pi-to-ATP exchange after glycolysis inhibition evidenced a protective effect of the polyphenol, in agreement with our previous hypothesis of a stimulation of substrate flux throughout the glycolysis 3-carbon step.

Resveratrol enhances TNF-α production in human monocytes upon bacterial stimulation

BACKGROUND

Resveratrol is a key component of red wine that has been reported to have anti-carcinogenic and anti-aging properties. Additional studies conducted in vitro and in animal models suggested anti-inflammatory properties. However, data from primary human immune cells and in vivo studies are limited.

METHODS

A pilot study was performed including 10 healthy volunteers. Plasma cytokine levels were measured over 48h after oral application of 5g resveratrol. To verify the in vivo findings, cytokine release and gene expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and/or monocytes was assessed after treatment with resveratrol or its metabolites and stimulation with several toll-like receptor (TLR)-agonists. Additionally, the impact on intracellular signaling pathways was analyzed using a reporter cell line and Western blotting.

RESULTS

Resveratrol treated individuals showed a significant increase in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels 24h after treatment compared to baseline. Studies using human PBMC or isolated monocytes confirmed potentiation of TNF-α production with different TLR agonists, while interleukin (IL)-10 was inhibited. Moreover, we observed significantly enhanced nuclear factor 'kappa-light-chain-enhancer' of activated B-cells (NF-κB) activation using a reporter cell line and found increased phosphorylation of p105, which is indicative of alternative NF-κB pathway activation.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

By administering resveratrol to healthy humans and utilizing primary immune cells we were able to detect TNF-α enhancing properties of the agent. In parallel, we found enhanced alternative NF-κB activation. We report on a novel pro-inflammatory property of resveratrol which has to be considered in concepts of its biologic activity.

Metabolic changes in summer active and anuric hibernating free-ranging brown bears (Ursus arctos)

The brown bear (Ursus arctos) hibernates for 5 to 6 months each winter and during this time ingests no food or water and remains anuric and inactive. Despite these extreme conditions, bears do not develop azotemia and preserve their muscle and bone strength. To date most renal studies have been limited to small numbers of bears, often in captive environments. Sixteen free-ranging bears were darted and had blood drawn both during hibernation in winter and summer. Samples were collected for measurement of creatinine and urea, markers of inflammation, the calcium-phosphate axis, and nutritional parameters including amino acids. In winter the bear serum creatinine increased 2.5 fold despite a 2-fold decrease in urea, indicating a remarkable ability to recycle urea nitrogen during hibernation. During hibernation serum calcium remained constant despite a decrease in serum phosphate and a rise in FGF23 levels. Despite prolonged inactivity and reduced renal function, inflammation does not ensue and bears seem to have enhanced antioxidant defense mechanisms during hibernation. Nutrition parameters showed high fat stores, preserved amino acids and mild hyperglycemia during hibernation. While total, essential, non-essential and branched chain amino acids concentrations do not change during hibernation anorexia, changes in individual amino acids ornithine, citrulline and arginine indicate an active, although reduced urea cycle and nitrogen recycling to proteins. Serum uric acid and serum fructose levels were elevated in summer and changes between seasons were positively correlated. Further studies to understand how bears can prevent the development of uremia despite minimal renal function during hibernation could provide new therapeutic avenues for the treatment of human kidney disease.

Endothelial dysfunction - a major mediator of diabetic vascular disease

The vascular endothelium is a multifunctional organ and is critically involved in modulating vascular tone and structure. Endothelial cells produce a wide range of factors that also regulate cellular adhesion, thromboresistance, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and vessel wall inflammation. Thus, endothelial function is important for the homeostasis of the body and its dysfunction is associated with several pathophysiological conditions, including atherosclerosis, hypertension and diabetes. Patients with diabetes invariably show an impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Therefore, understanding and treating endothelial dysfunction is a major focus in the prevention of vascular complications associated with all forms of diabetes mellitus. The mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in diabetes may point to new management strategies for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in diabetes. This review will focus on the mechanisms and therapeutics that specifically target endothelial dysfunction in the context of a diabetic setting. Mechanisms including altered glucose metabolism, impaired insulin signaling, low-grade inflammatory state, and increased reactive oxygen species generation will be discussed. The importance of developing new pharmacological approaches that upregulate endothelium-derived nitric oxide synthesis and target key vascular ROS-producing enzymes will be highlighted and new strategies that might prove clinically relevant in preventing the development and/or retarding the progression of diabetes associated vascular complications.

Neuroprotective properties and mechanisms of resveratrol in in vitro and in vivo experimental cerebral stroke models

Resveratrol, a natural stilbene present at relatively high concentrations in grape skin and seeds and red wine, is known for its purported antioxidant activity in the vascular and nervous systems. In contrast to its direct antioxidant role within the central nervous system, recent research supports a protective mechanism through increasing endogenous cellular antioxidant defenses, which triggers a cascade of parallel neuroprotective pathways. A growing body of in vitro and in vivo evidence indicates that resveratrol acts through multiple pathways and reduces ischemic damage in vital organs, such as the heart and the brain, in various rodent models. Most of the protective biological actions of resveratrol have been associated with its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties and other indirect pathways. Continued public interest and increasing resveratrol supplements on the market warrant a review of the available in vitro and in vivo science reported in the stroke-related literature. Rigorous clinical trials evaluating the effects of resveratrol in stroke are absent, though the general population consumption appears to be relatively safe. Resveratrol has shown potential for treating stroke in laboratory animals and in vitro human cell studies, yet there is still a need for human research in preclinical settings. This review summarizes many of the findings on the neuroprotective potential of resveratrol in cerebral stroke, focusing on both the in vitro and in vivo experimental models and some proposed mechanisms of action.

Review of recent data on the metabolism, biological effects, and toxicity of resveratrol in humans

Several recently published clinical trials have extended our knowledge on the use of resveratrol (RVT) to treat several human pathological and metabolic disorders. Herein, we present insights into the metabolism, biological effects, and toxicity of RVT in humans. Recent data show that RVT exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. It can also improve glucose and lipid metabolism, it acts on cardiovascular parameters, and can modify some pathways involved in carcinogenesis. However, these effects are mostly tiny and the results are sometimes controversial as they depend on the protocols (i.e. dose, form of administration, patients' characteristics, adjuvant therapy, etc.). Toxicological data confirm that RVT is well tolerated. Any adverse effects (mainly concerning the abdomen), at doses of ≥0.5 g/day for long periods, remain moderate and reversible. Nevertheless, the efficacy and safety of RVT need to be further investigated.

Resveratrol mitigates genotoxicity induced by iodine-131 in primary human lymphocytes

The purpose of this study was to investigate the radioprotective effects of resveratrol as a natural product that protects against genotoxic actions of (131)I in cultured human lymphocytes. Whole-blood samples from human volunteers were treated with resveratrol at doses of 0.5, 1, 5, and 50 μg/mL for 1 h, after which the lymphocytes were incubated with (131)I (100 μCi/1.5 mL) for 2 h. The lymphocyte cultures were then mitogenically stimulated to enable evaluation of the number of micronuclei in cytokinesis-blocked binucleated cells. Incubation of lymphocytes with (131)I induced genotoxicity, which was reflected by an increase in micronuclei frequency. At the doses tested, resveratrol significantly reduced micronuclei frequency. Maximal protective effects occurred at a dose of 1 μg/mL, with total micronuclei values being reduced by 65 % compared to controls. In conclusion, our results indicate protective effects of resveratrol at low doses against genetic damage and adverse effects induced by (131)I administration.

Resveratrol and related stilbenes: their anti-aging and anti-angiogenic properties

Dietary stilbenes comprise a class of natural compounds that display significant biological activities of medicinal interest. Among them, their antioxidant, anti-aging and anti-angiogenesic properties are well established and subjects of numerous research endeavors. This mini-review aspires to account and present the literature reports published on research concerning various natural and synthetic stilbenes, such as trans-resveratrol. Special focus was given to most recent research findings, while the mechanisms underlying their anti-aging and anti-angiogenic effects as well as the respective signaling pathways involved were also presented and discussed.

Inhibitory effects of resveratrol on PDGF-BB-induced retinal pigment epithelial cell migration via PDGFRβ, PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways

Purpose

In diseases such as proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells proliferate and migrate. Moreover, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) has been shown to enhance proliferation and migration of RPE cells in PVR. Even resveratrol can suppress the migration and adhesion of many cell types, its effects on RPE cell migration and adhesion remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of resveratrol on RPE cell migration induced by PDGF-BB, an isoform of PDGF, and adhesion to fibronectin, a major ECM component of PVR tissue.

Methods

The migration of RPE cells was assessed by an electric cell-substrate impedance sensing migration assay and a Transwell migration assay. A cell viability assay was used to determine the viability of resveratrol treated-cells. The cell adhesion to fibronectin was examined by an adhesion assay. The interactions of resveratrol with PDGF-BB were analyzed by a dot binding assay. The PDGF-BB-induced signaling pathways were determined by western blotting and scratch wound healing assay.

Results

Resveratrol inhibited PDGF-BB-induced RPE cell migration in a dose-dependent manner, but showed no effects on ARPE19 cell adhesion to fibronectin. The cell viability assay showed no cytotoxicity of resveratrol on RPE cells and the dot binding assay revealed no direct interactions of resveratrol with PDGF-BB. Inhibitory effects of resveratrol on PDGF-BB-induced platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) and tyrosine phosphorylation and the underlying pathways of PI3K/Akt, ERK and p38 activation were found; however, resveratrol and PDGF-BB showed no effects on PDGFRα and JNK activation. Scratch wound healing assay demonstrated resveratrol and the specific inhibitors of PDGFR, PI3K, MEK or p38 suppressed PDGF-BB-induced cell migration.

Conclusions

These results indicate that resveratrol is an effective inhibitor of PDGF-BB-induced RPE cell migration via PDGFRβ, PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, but has no effects on the RPE cell adhesion to fibronectin.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, a viscous soluble fiber, reduces insulin resistance and decreases fatty liver in Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats

Background

Diets producing a high glycemic response result in exaggerated insulin secretion which induces hepatic lipogenesis, contributing to development of insulin resistance and fatty liver. Viscous dietary fibers blunt the postprandial rise in blood glucose, however their effect on type 2 diabetes and obesity are not entirely known. This study examined the effect of chronic consumption of the viscous, non-fermentable dietary fiber, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), on glucose control, insulin resistance and liver lipids in an obese diabetic rat model.

Methods

Three groups of Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats were fed diets containing either 5% non-viscous cellulose (control), low viscosity HPMC (LV-HPMC) or high viscosity HPMC (HV- HPMC) for six weeks. Zucker lean littermates consuming cellulose served as a negative control. Markers of glucose control, including oral glucose tolerance test, glycated hemoglobin and urinary glucose, were measured as well as adiposity and the accumulation of liver lipids.

Results

The HPMC diets increased the viscosity of the small intestinal contents and reduced the postprandial rise in blood glucose. The food efficiency ratio was greater with HPMC feeding compared to the obese control and urinary excretion of glucose and ketone bodies was reduced. The two HPMC groups had lower glycated hemoglobin and kidney weights and a reduced area under the curve during a glucose tolerance test, indicating improved glucose control. Epididymal fat pad weight as percent of body weight was reduced in the HV-HPMC group compared to the obese control group. The HV-HPMC group also had lower concentrations of liver lipid and cholesterol and reduced liver weight. However, HV-HPMC feeding did not affect hepatic gene expression of SREBP-1c or FAS. Muscle concentration of acylcarnitines, a lipid intermediate in fatty acid β-oxidation, was not different between the HPMC groups and obese control, suggesting no change in muscle fatty acid oxidation by HPMC.

Conclusions

Consumption of the viscous non-fermentable fiber HPMC decreased diabetic wasting, improved glucose control and reduced insulin resistance and fatty liver in a model of obesity with diabetes.

Resveratrol attenuates oxidative stress and prevents steatosis and hypertension in obese rats programmed by early weaning

We hypothesized that resveratrol, a natural phytoalexin found in grapes, can prevent oxidative stress, obesity and its related disturbances in obese rats programmed by early weaning. Lactating Wistar rats were separated into two groups: early weaning (EW) - dams who were wrapped with a bandage to interrupt the lactation in the last 3 days of lactation; control - dams whose pups had free access to milk during all lactation. At the 150th day, EW offspring were randomly subdivided into EW+resveratrol (EW+Res) - resveratrol (30 mg/kg/day); EW+vehicle (EW) - rats that received 0.5% (w/v) aqueous methylcellulose. The control group received vehicle. Rats were treated by gavage daily for 30 days. EW offspring developed hyperphagia, higher body weight, visceral obesity, higher systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (+15% and +20%, respectively; P<.05) and higher serum triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein but lower high-density lipoprotein (+55%, +33% and -13%, respectively; P<.05). Resveratrol normalized food intake, SBP and DBP and prevented obesity and dyslipidemia in EW+Res. EW rats had higher plasma and liver thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and lower plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) and liver glutathione peroxidase activities (+51%, +18%, -58%, -31%, respectively; P<.05), and resveratrol normalized both plasma and liver TBARS and increased the activity of SOD and catalase in plasma. EW rats presented liver steatosis and higher liver TG, and resveratrol prevented these hepatic alterations. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a potential therapeutic use of resveratrol in preventing obesity and oxidative stress and reducing the risk of hypertension, dyslipidemia and steatosis in adult rats programmed by early weaning.