What is new for an old molecule? Systematic review and recommendations on the use of resveratrol

Resveratrol attenuates radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction in mice

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

In our study we investigated the radioprotective effect of resveratrol (RES) in a murine model of radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction.

STUDY DESIGN

Ninety-six Institute of Cancer Research mice were randomly divided into four groups: solvent (group I), RES treated (group II; 20 mg/kg/d), 15 Gy irradiation with solvent treatment (group III), and 15 Gy irradiation with RES treatment (group IV; 15 Gy and 20 mg/kg/d RES). RES (group II and IV) was administered intraperitoneally 3 days prior to irradiation through the conclusion of the experiment.

METHODS

Saliva and submandibular gland tissues were obtained for biochemical, morphological, immunohistochemical, and Western blot analyses at 8 hours, 24 hours, and 30 days after localized irradiation.

RESULTS

Radiation caused a reduction of saliva secretion, salivary amylase activity, superoxide dismutase, and an elevation of malondialdehyde. Administration of RES reversed the reduction of saliva secretion induced by irradiation and restored salivary amylase and superoxide dismutase activity. In addition, RES could inhibit increases in transforming growth factor-β1 expression induced by radiation.

CONCLUSIONS

RES can protect salivary glands against the negative effects of irradiation and has great potential as a treatment for successful radiotherapy in clinical practice.

Probing antioxidant activity of 2'-hydroxychalcones: crystal and molecular structures, in vitro antiproliferative studies and in vivo effects on glucose regulation

In order to better understand the antioxidant behavior of a series of polyphenolic 2'-hydroxychalcones, we describe the results of several chemical and biological studies, in vitro and in vivo. Single crystal X-ray methods elucidated their molecular structures and important intermolecular interactions such as H-bonding and molecular stacking in the crystal structures that contribute to our knowledge in explaining antioxidant activity. The results of experiments using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-dipicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) UV-vis spectroscopic method indicate that a hydroxyl group in position 5' induces the highest antioxidant activity. Consequently, 2,2',5'-trihydroxychalcone was selected for further study in vitro towards ROS scavenging in L-6 myoblasts and THP-1 human monocytes, where it shows an excellent antioxidant activity in a concentration range lower than that reported by most studies of related molecules. In addition, this chalcone shows a very selective activity: it inhibits the proliferation of leukemic cells, but it does not affect the normal L-6 myoblasts and human fibroblasts. In studying 2,2',5'-trihydroxychalcone's effect on weight gain and serum glucose and insulin levels in Zucker fatty (fa(-)/fa(-)) rats we found that supplementing the diet with a 10 mg/kg dose of this chalcone (3 times weekly) blunted the increase in glucose that co-occurs with weight gain over the 6-week treatment period. It is concluded that 2,2',5'-trihydroxychalcone has the potential to serve as a protective agent for some debilitating diseases.

Observation of human retinal remodeling in octogenarians with a resveratrol based nutritional supplement

PURPOSE

Rare spontaneous remissions from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) suggest the human retina has large regenerative capacity, even in advanced age. We present examples of robust improvement of retinal structure and function using an OTC oral resveratrol (RV) based nutritional supplement called Longevinex® or L/RV (circa 2004, Resveratrol Partners, LLC, Las Vegas, NV, USA). RV, a polyphenolic phytoalexin caloric-restriction mimic, induces hormesis at low doses with widespread beneficial effects on systemic health. RV alone inhibits neovascularization in the murine retina. Thus far, published evidence includes L/RV mitigation of experimentally induced murine cardiovascular reperfusion injury, amelioration of human atherosclerosis serum biomarkers in a human Japanese randomized placebo controlled trial, modulation of micro RNA 20b and 539 that control hypoxia-inducing-factor (HIF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) genes in the murine heart (RV inhibited micro RNA20b 189-fold, L/RV 1366-fold). Little is known about the effects of L/RV on human ocular pathology.

METHODS

Absent FDA IRB approval, but with permission from our Chief of Staff and medical center IRB, L/RV is reserved for AMD patients, on a case-by-case compassionate care basis. Patients include those who progress on AREDS II type supplements, refuse intra-vitreal anti-VEGF injections or fail to respond to Lucentis®, Avastin® or Eylea®. Patients are clinically followed traditionally as well as with multi-spectral retinal imaging, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, cone glare recovery and macular visual fields. Three cases are presented.

RESULTS

Observed dramatic short-term anti-VEGF type effect including anatomic restoration of retinal structure with a suggestion of improvement in choroidal blood flow by near IR multispectral imaging. The visual function improvement mirrors the effect seen anatomically. The effect is bilateral with the added benefit of better RPE function. Effects have lasted for one year or longer when taken daily, at which point one patient required initiation of anti-VEGF agents. Unanticipated systemic benefits were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary observations support previous publications in animals and humans. Restoration of structure and visual function in octogenarians with daily oral consumption of L/RV is documented. Applications include failure on AREDS II supplements, refusing or failing conventional anti-VEGF therapy, adjunct therapy to improve RPE function, and compassionate use in medically underserved or economically depressed third-world countries.

Silent information regulator 1 protects the brain against cerebral ischemic damage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a member of NAD+-dependent protein deacetylases implicated in a wide range of cellular functions and has beneficial properties in pathologies including ischemia/reperfusion processes and neurodegeneration. However, no direct evidence has been reported on the direct implication of SIRT1 in ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to establish the role of SIRT1 in stroke using an experimental model in mice.

METHODS

Wild-type and Sirt1-/- mice were subjected to permanent focal ischemia by permanent ligature. In another set of experiments, wild-type mice were treated intraperitoneally with vehicle, activator 3 (SIRT1 activator, 10 mg/kg), or sirtinol (SIRT1 inhibitor, 10 mg/kg) for 10 minutes, 24 hours, and 40 hours after ischemia. Brains were removed 48 hours after ischemia for determining the infarct volume. Neurological outcome was evaluated using the modified neurological severity score.

RESULTS

Exposure to middle cerebral artery occlusion increased SIRT1 expression in neurons of the ipsilesional mouse brain cortex. Treatment of mice with activator 3 reduced infarct volume, whereas sirtinol increased ischemic injury. Sirt1-/- mice displayed larger infarct volumes after ischemia than their wild-type counterparts. In addition, SIRT1 inhibition/deletion was concomitant with increased acetylation of p53 and nuclear factor κB (p65).

CONCLUSIONS

These results support the idea that SIRT1 plays an important role in neuroprotection against brain ischemia by deacetylation and subsequent inhibition of p53-induced and nuclear factor κB-induced inflammatory and apoptotic pathways.

Proto-oncogenic isoform A2 of eukaryotic translation elongation factor eEF1 is a target of miR-663 and miR-744

Background:

Eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1A2 (eEF1A2) is a known proto-oncogene. We proposed that stimulation of the eEF1A2 expression in cancer tissues is caused by the loss of miRNA-mediated control.

Methods:

Impact of miRNAs on eEF1A2 at the mRNA and protein levels was examined by qPCR and western blot, respectively. Dual-luciferase assay was applied to examine the influence of miRNAs on 3′-UTR of EEF1A2. To detect miRNA-binding sites, mutations into the 3′-UTR of EEF1A2 mRNA were introduced by the overlap extension PCR.

Results:

miR-663 and miR-744 inhibited the expression of luciferase gene attached to the 3′-UTR of EEF1A2 up to 20% and 50%, respectively. In MCF7 cells, overexpression of miR-663 and miR-744 reduced the EEF1A2 mRNA level by 30% and 50%. Analogous effects were also observed at the eEF1A2 protein level. In resveratrol-treated MCF7 cells the upregulation of mir-663 and mir-744 was accompanied by downregulation of EEF1A2 mRNA. Both miRNAs were able to inhibit the proliferation of MCF7 cells.

Conclusion:

miR-663 and miR-744 mediate inhibition of the proto-oncogene eEF1A2 expression that results in retardation of the MCF7 cancer cells proliferation. Antitumour effect of resveratrol may include stimulation of the miR-663 and miR-744 expression.

Resveratrol protects C6 astrocyte cell line against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress through heme oxygenase 1

Resveratrol, a polyphenol presents in grapes and wine, displays antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and cytoprotective effect in brain pathologies associated to oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. In previous work, we demonstrated that resveratrol exerts neuroglial modulation, improving glial functions, mainly related to glutamate metabolism. Astrocytes are a major class of glial cells and regulate neurotransmitter systems, synaptic processing, energy metabolism and defense against oxidative stress. This study sought to determine the protective effect of resveratrol against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced cytotoxicity in C6 astrocyte cell line, an astrocytic lineage, on neurochemical parameters and their cellular and biochemical mechanisms. H₂O₂ exposure increased oxidative-nitrosative stress, iNOS expression, cytokine proinflammatory release (TNFα levels) and mitochondrial membrane potential dysfunction and decreased antioxidant defenses, such as SOD, CAT and creatine kinase activity. Resveratrol strongly prevented C6 cells from H₂O₂-induced toxicity by modulating glial, oxidative and inflammatory responses. Resveratrol per se increased heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) expression and extracellular GSH content. In addition, HO1 signaling pathway is involved in the protective effect of resveratrol against H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage in astroglial cells. Taken together, these results show that resveratrol represents an important mechanism for protection of glial cells against oxidative stress.

Citicoline (CDP-choline) increases Sirtuin1 expression concomitant to neuroprotection in experimental stroke

CDP-choline has shown neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemia. In humans, although a recent trial International Citicoline Trial on Acute Stroke (ICTUS) has shown that global recovery is similar in CDP-choline and placebo groups, CDP-choline was shown to be more beneficial in some patients, such as those with moderate stroke severity and not treated with t-PA. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the beneficial actions of CDP-choline. We have now studied the participation of Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) in the neuroprotective actions of CDP-choline. Fischer rats and Sirt1⁻/⁻ mice were subjected to permanent focal ischemia. CDP-choline (0.2 or 2 g/kg), sirtinol (a SIRT1 inhibitor; 10 mg/kg), and resveratrol (a SIRT1 activator; 2.5 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally. Brains were removed 24 and 48 h after ischemia for western blot analysis and infarct volume determination. Treatment with CDP-choline increased SIRT1 protein levels in brain concomitantly to neuroprotection. Treatment with sirtinol blocked the reduction in infarct volume caused by CDP-choline, whereas resveratrol elicited a strong synergistic neuroprotective effect with CDP-choline. CDP-choline failed to reduce infarct volume in Sirt1⁻/⁻ mice. Our present results demonstrate a robust effect of CDP-choline like SIRT1 activator by up-regulating its expression. Our findings suggest that therapeutic strategies to activate SIRT1 may be useful in the treatment of stroke. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is implicated in a wide range of cellular functions. Regarding stroke, there is no direct evidence. We have demonstrated that citicoline increases SIRT1 protein levels in brain concomitantly to neuroprotection. Citicoline fails to reduce infarct volume in Sirt1⁻/⁻ mice. Our findings suggest that therapeutic strategies acting on SIRT1 may be useful in the treatment of stroke.

Enhanced physical and oxidative stabilities of soy protein-based emulsions by incorporation of a water-soluble stevioside-resveratrol complex

To strengthen the effectiveness of resveratrol (RES) as a natural antioxidant in food systems, this work attempted to enhance the water solubility of RES by utilizing the solubilizing properties of stevioside (STE) and investigated the effect of STE-solubilized RES (STE-RES) incorporation on the stability of soy protein isolate (SPI)-based emulsions. The physical properties and oxidative stability of SPI emulsions with STE/STE-RES were evaluated. The water solubility of RES increased with the increase of STE concentration up to its critical micelle concentration, suggesting the solubilization of hydrophobic RES in STE self-assembled micelles. STE micelles competitively adsorbed at the oil-water interface with SPI, forming a mixed SPI and STE interfacial layer, thus resulting in a decrease in particle size and evident enhancement in the physical stability of SPI-based emulsions. After the incorporation of STE-RES, SPI emulsions showed an enhanced oxidative stability with reduced lipid hydroperoxides and volatile hexanal. This improvement was believed to be mainly attributed to the targeted migration of RES to the interface during the adsorption of the STE-RES complex, as evidenced by high interfacial accumulation of RES.

Resveratrol 3-O-D-glucuronide and resveratrol 4'-O-D-glucuronide inhibit colon cancer cell growth: evidence for a role of A3 adenosine receptors, cyclin D1 depletion, and G1 cell cycle arrest

SCOPE

Resveratrol is a plant-derived polyphenol with chemotherapeutic properties in animal cancer models and many biochemical effects in vitro. Its bioavailability is low and raises the possibility that the metabolites of resveratrol have biological effects. Here we investigate the actions of resveratrol 3-O-D-glucuronide, resveratrol 4-O-D-glucuronide, and resveratrol 3-O-Dsulfate on the growth of colon cancer cells in vitro.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The growth of Caco-2, HCT-116, and CCL-228 cells was measured using the neutral red and MTT assays. Resveratrol and each metabolite inhibited cell growth with IC50 values of 9.8–31 μM. Resveratrol caused S phase arrest in all three cell lines. Resveratrol 3-O-D-glucuronide and resveratrol 4-O-D-glucuronide caused G1 arrest in CCL-228 and Caco-2 cells. Resveratrol 3-O-D-sulfate had no effect on cell cycle. Growth inhibition was reversed by an inhibitor of AMP-activated protein kinase (compound C) or an adenosine A3 receptor antagonist (MRS1191). The A3 receptor agonist 2Cl-IB-MECA inhibited growth and A3 receptors were detected in all cell lines. The resveratrol glucuronides also reduced cyclin D1 levels but at higher concentrations than in growth experiments and generally did not increase phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase.

CONCLUSION

Resveratrol glucuronides inhibit cell growth by G1 arrest and cyclin D1 depletion, and our results strongly suggest a role for A3 adenosine receptors in this inhibition.

Targeting sirtuins for the treatment of diabetes

Sirtuins are a class of NAD⁺-dependent deacetylases, such as deacetylases, that have a wide array of biological functions. Recent studies have suggested that reduced sirtuin action is correlated with Type 2 diabetes. Both overnutrition and aging, which are two major risk factors for diabetes, lead to decreased sirtuin function and result in abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism. Therefore, restoring normal levels of sirtuin action in Type 2 diabetes may be a promising method of treating diabetes. This article reviews the biological functions of three of the seven mammalian sirtuins - SIRT1, SIRT3 and SIRT6 - that have demonstrated prominent metabolic roles and early potential for drug targeting. Clinical trials investigating the use of sirtuin activators for treating diabetes are already underway and show promise as alternatives to current diabetes therapies. Thus, further research into sirtuin activators is warranted and may lead to a new class of safe, effective diabetes treatments.

Pharmacometrics of 3-methoxypterostilbene: a component of traditional chinese medicinal plants

3-Methoxypterostilbene is a naturally occurring stilbene with potential in the treatment of diabetes. The preclinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of 3-methoxypterostilbene were evaluated in the present study. The right jugular veins of male Sprague-Dawley rats were cannulated. The rats were dosed 10 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg of 3-methoxypterostilbene intravenously (IV) or orally (PO), respectively. Serum and urine samples were analyzed using a previously validated reversed-phase HPLC method. Serum AUC, serum t 1/2, urine t 1/2, Cltotal, and Vd for IV dosing were 48.1 ± 23.8  μ g/h/mL, 18.9 ± 10.9 h, 9.54 ± 1.51 h, 47.8 ± 23.7 L/h/kg, and 5.11 ± 0.38 L/kg, respectively (mean ± SEM, n = 4) . Serum AUC, serum t 1/2, urine t 1/2, Cltotal, and Vd for PO dosing were 229 ± 44.6  μ g/h/mL, 73.3 ± 8.91 h, 20.6 ± 3.01 h, 0.48 ± 0.008 L/h/kg, and 52.0 ± 10.5 L/kg, respectively (mean ± SEM, n = 4). Bioavailability of the stilbene was determined to be 50.6%  ± 10.0%. A 3-methoxypterostilbene glucuronidated metabolite was detected in both serum and urine. 3-Methoxypterostilbene exhibited antidiabetic activity including α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition as well as concentration-dependent antioxidant capacity similar to resveratrol. 3-Methoxypterostilbene also exhibited anti-inflammatory activity. 3-Methoxypterostilbene appears to be a bioactive compound and may be useful in reducing postprandial hyperglycemia.

Resveratrol confers protection against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity by modulating myeloperoxidase levels in glial cells

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) functions as a key molecular component of the host defense system against diverse pathogens. We have previously reported that increased MPO levels and activity is a distinguishing feature of rotenone-exposed glial cells, and that either overactivation or deficiency of MPO leads to pathological conditions in the brain. Here, we provide that modulation of MPO levels in glia by resveratrol confers protective effects on rotenone-induced neurotoxicity. We show that resveratrol significantly reduced MPO levels but did not trigger abnormal nitric oxide (NO) production in microglia and astrocytes. Resveratrol-induced down-regulation of MPO, in the absence of an associated overproduction of NO, markedly attenuated rotenone-triggered inflammatory responses including phagocytic activity and reactive oxygen species production in primary microglia and astrocytes. In addition, impaired responses of primary mixed glia from Mpo^−/− mice to rotenone were relieved by treatment with resveratrol. We further show that rotenone-induced neuronal injury, particularly dopaminergic cell death, was attenuated by resveratrol in neuron-glia co-cultures, but not in neurons cultured alone. Similar regulatory effects of resveratrol on MPO levels were observed in microglia treated with MPP⁺, another Parkinson’s disease-linked neurotoxin, supporting the beneficial effects of resveratrol on the brain. Collectively, our findings provide that resveratrol influences glial responses to rotenone by regulating both MPO and NO, and thus protects against rotenone-induced neuronal injury.

High-dose resveratrol supplementation in obese men: an investigator-initiated, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of substrate metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and body composition

Obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia constitute risk factors for morbidity and premature mortality. Based on animal and in vitro studies, resveratrol reverts these risk factors via stimulation of silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1), but data in human subjects are scarce. The objective of this study was to examine the metabolic effects of high-dose resveratrol in obese human subjects. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, and parallel-group design, 24 obese but otherwise healthy men were randomly assigned to 4 weeks of resveratrol or placebo treatment. Extensive metabolic examinations including assessment of glucose turnover and insulin sensitivity (hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp) were performed before and after the treatment. Insulin sensitivity, the primary outcome measure, deteriorated insignificantly in both groups. Endogenous glucose production and the turnover and oxidation rates of glucose remained unchanged. Resveratrol supplementation also had no effect on blood pressure; resting energy expenditure; oxidation rates of lipid; ectopic or visceral fat content; or inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers. The lack of effect disagrees with persuasive data obtained from rodent models and raises doubt about the justification of resveratrol as a human nutritional supplement in metabolic disorders.

A synergetic screening approach with companion effector for combination therapy: application to retinoblastoma

For many cancers, the lack of potency and the toxicity of current drugs limits the dose achievable in patients and the efficacy of treatment. Among them, retinoblastoma is a rare cancer of the eye for which better chemotherapeutic options are needed. Combination therapy is a compelling approach to enhance the efficacy of current treatment, however clinical trials to test rationally designed combinations of approved drugs are slow and expensive, and limited by our lack of in-depth knowledge of drug specificity. Since many patients already turn to nutraceuticals in hopes of improving their condition, we hypothesized that certain approved drugs could potentially synergize with widely consumed supplements. Following this hypothesis, we devised an alternative screening strategy aimed at taking advantage of a bait compound such as a nutraceutical with potential therapeutic benefits but low potency, by screening chemical libraries for approved drugs that synergize with this companion effector. As a proof of concept, we sought to identify approved drugs with synergetic therapeutic effects toward retinoblastoma cells in combination with the antioxidant resveratrol, popular as a supplement. We systematically tested FDA-approved drugs and known bioactives seeking to identify such pairs, which led to uncovering only a few additive combinations; but to our surprise, we identified a class of anticancer drugs widely used in the clinic whose therapeutic effect is antagonized with resveratrol. Our observations could explain in part why some patients do not respond well to treatment. Our results validate this alternative approach, and we expect that our companion effector strategy could significantly impact both drug discovery and the nutraceutical industry.

Resveratrol induces long-lasting IL-8 expression and peculiar EGFR activation/distribution in human keratinocytes: mechanisms and implications for skin administration

Anti-inflammatory and skin tumour preventing effects of resveratrol have been extensively studied pre-clinically and resveratrol has been proposed for clinical investigations. To provide a basis or/and limitations for topical administration to human skin, molecular mechanisms underlying resveratrol effects towards normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) were evaluated. NHEK were challenged by either resveratrol alone or by its combination with TNFalpha or TGFalpha, and time-dependent molecular events were monitored. Interleukin 8 (IL-8) expression and its mRNA stability, ERK1/2, p65/RelA, and EGFR phosphorylation were determined. Intracellular distribution of EGFR/P-EGFR was measured in the membrane, cytoplasmic, and nuclear fractions. Specific DNA binding activity of NFκB (p65/RelA) and AP-1(c-Fos), NHEK proliferation, and molecular markers of apoptosis/cell cycle were detected. Resveratrol induced delayed, long-lasting and steadily growing IL-8 gene and protein over-expression as well as enhanced EGFR phosphorylation, both abrogated by the EGFR kinase inhibitor PD168393. However, resveratrol did not act as a phosphatase inhibitor. ERK phosphorylation was transiently inhibited at early time-points and activated at 6–24 h. Accordingly, c-Fos-specific DNA binding was increased by resveratrol. Cellular distribution of EGFR/P-EGFR was shifted to membrane and nucleus while cytosolic levels were reduced concomitant with enhanced degradation. Notwithstanding high nuclear levels of EGFR/P-EGFR, spontaneous and TGFalpha-triggered cell proliferation was strongly suppressed by resveratrol mainly through cell cycle arrest.

A potential role for resveratrol as a radiation sensitizer for melanoma treatment

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy (XRT) is used to improve local control of melanoma and for palliation of metastatic disease. Clinical use of XRT for melanoma is often limited by extent of disease and the relative radioresistance of melanoma may limit the effectiveness of XRT. Our group and others have previously shown that resveratrol (RSV) enhances radiation sensitivity in radioresistant prostate cancer cell lines.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study, the effects of XRT in combination with RSV on radioresistant melanoma lines, SK-Mel-5 and HTB-65, were evaluated by assessment of proliferation and apoptosis. Clonogenic assay, comparison of proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining, Quick Cell Proliferation assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and caspase-3 activity assay were used to assess proliferation and apoptosis, as appropriate.

RESULTS

We found that the percentage of colonies, proliferating cell nuclear antigen + cells and the optical density value of melanoma cells were decreased after addition of RSV to XRT (XRT/RSV). TUNEL + cells and the relative caspase-3 activity in melanoma cells were increased after addition of RSV to XRT (XRT/RSV). We investigated the possible molecular mechanisms of decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis by using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining. The anti-proliferative effect of XRT/RSV correlated with decreased expression of pro-proliferative molecule cyclin B, cyclin D, cdk2 and cdk4. The pro-apoptotic effect of XRT/RSV correlated with decreased expression of the anti-apoptotic molecule FLIP, Bcl-2, and survivin.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that RSV enhances radiation sensitivity of melanoma cells by inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis. Resveratrol may have a potential role as a radiation sensitizer for melanoma treatment.

Resveratrol metabolites inhibit human metastatic colon cancer cells progression and synergize with chemotherapeutic drugs to induce cell death

SCOPE

Resveratrol (RSV) has been proposed to prevent tumor growth; nevertheless, these preventive effects are controversial since RSV pharmacokinetics studies show a low bioavailability. Recent clinical trials show that patients with colorectal cancer and receiving oral RSV have high levels of RSV conjugates in the colorectum, mainly RSV-3-O-sulfate (R3S), RSV-3-O-glucuronide, and RSV-4'-O-glucuronide. However, their potential biological activity has not yet been established. This study thus investigated in human colorectal cancer cell lines whether RSV main metabolites retain anticarcinogenic properties as their parental molecule.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Proliferation, apoptosis assays and cell cycle analysis were performed to study the effect of RSV, R3S, RSV-3-O-glucuronide, or RSV-4'-O-glucuronide alone or of a mixture of the three metabolites. R3S inhibits colon cancer cells proliferation and an accumulation of cells in S phase. Interestingly, the mixture induced a synergistic effect. This process was associated with an induction of DNA damages and apoptotic process, which allowed sensitization of colon cancer cells to the anticancer drugs.

CONCLUSION

Altogether, our data provide significant new insight into the molecular mechanism of RSV and support the notion that despite low bioavailability in vivo, RSV biological effects could be mediated by its metabolites.

The Tellurium compound, AS101, increases SIRT1 level and activity and prevents type 2 diabetes

The histone deacetylase, SIRT1, plays a major role in glucose regulation and lipid metabolism. Ammonium Trichloro (dioxoethylene-o,o') Tellurate, AS101, is a potent in vitro and in vivo immunomodulator, with several potential therapeutic applications. AS101 administration resulted in upregulation of SIRT1 protein expression and activity. These effects were associated with decreased levels of serum insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and of insulin. The properties of AS101 prompted us to investigate its potential therapeutic role in rats with type 2 diabetes (T2D). T2D was induced by a high fat diet combined with a low dose of Streptozotocin (STZ). Treatment with AS101 before manifestation of hyperglycemia, resulted in increased insulin sensitivity, and decreased blood glucose levels, and prevented symptoms of diabetes including defective glucose clearance, fatty liver, and abnormal distribution of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Treatment after disease emergence resulted in partial restoration of normal glucose homeostasis. Diabetic rats showed a reduction in liver SIRT1 levels. In both treatment regimens the reduction in SIRT1 levels in the liver were blocked by AS101 consumption. Together, these findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of AS101 for treating T2D, and for reversing impaired fat and glucose metabolism.

Grape resveratrol increases serum adiponectin and downregulates inflammatory genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells: a triple-blind, placebo-controlled, one-year clinical trial in patients with stable coronary artery disease

PURPOSE

The grape and wine polyphenol resveratrol exerts cardiovascular benefits but evidence from randomized human clinical trials is very limited. We investigated dose-depending effects of a resveratrol-containing grape supplement on stable patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) treated according to currently accepted guidelines for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

In a triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, one-year follow-up, 3-arm pilot clinical trial, 75 stable-CAD patients received 350 mg/day of placebo, resveratrol-containing grape extract (grape phenolics plus 8 mg resveratrol) or conventional grape extract lacking resveratrol during 6 months, and a double dose for the following 6 months. Changes in circulating inflammatory and fibrinolytic biomarkers were analyzed. Moreover, the transcriptional profiling of inflammatory genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was explored using microarrays and functional gene expression analysis.

RESULTS

After 1 year, in contrast to the placebo and conventional grape extract groups, the resveratrol-containing grape extract group showed an increase of the anti-inflammatory serum adiponectin (9.6 %, p = 0.01) and a decrease of the thrombogenic plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) (-18.6 %, p = 0.05). In addition, 6 key inflammation-related transcription factors were predicted to be significantly activated or inhibited, with 27 extracellular-space acting genes involved in inflammation, cell migration and T-cell interaction signals presenting downregulation (p < 0.05) in PBMCs. No adverse effects were detected in relation to the study products.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic daily consumption of a resveratrol-containing grape nutraceutical could exert cardiovascular benefits in stable-CAD patients treated according to current evidence-based standards, by increasing serum adiponectin, preventing PAI-1 increase and inhibiting atherothrombotic signals in PBMCs.

Modulation of bacterial ghosts--induced nitric oxide production in macrophages by bacterial ghost-delivered resveratrol

The present study aimed to investigate the capacity of resveratrol (RV) delivered into macrophages by bacterial ghosts (BGs), representing intact empty nonliving envelopes of Gram-negative bacteria, to modulate nitric oxide (NO) production related to the presence of the pathogen-associated molecular patterns on the surface of BGs. Incubation of the murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 with BGs leads to a dose-dependent activation of inducible NO synthase. To modify BG-induced NO formation in RAW 264.7 cells by RV; BGs were loaded with RV (RV-BGs) and incubated with murine macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. RV-BGs delivering RV to the target macrophages significantly reduced BG-induced NO production with concentration of RV more than one order of magnitude lower than the amount of RV capable of reducing NO formation when applied directly. Moreover, no cytotoxic impact of BGs on the viability of RAW 264.7 cells added to macrophages alone or loaded with RV was detected after a mutual 24 h incubation, whereas cell viability slightly decreased (~ 10%) when RV concentrations of 30 μm alone were applied. The results obtained in the present study clearly indicate that the intracellular delivery of RV by BGs significantly enhances the total RV effect.

Xenohormetic and anti-aging activity of secoiridoid polyphenols present in extra virgin olive oil: a new family of gerosuppressant agents

Aging can be viewed as a quasi-programmed phenomenon driven by the overactivation of the nutrient-sensing mTOR gerogene. mTOR-driven aging can be triggered or accelerated by a decline or loss of responsiveness to activation of the energy-sensing protein AMPK, a critical gerosuppressor of mTOR. The occurrence of age-related diseases, therefore, reflects the synergistic interaction between our evolutionary path to sedentarism, which chronically increases a number of mTOR activating gero-promoters (e.g., food, growth factors, cytokines and insulin) and the "defective design" of central metabolic integrators such as mTOR and AMPK. Our laboratories at the Bioactive Food Component Platform in Spain have initiated a systematic approach to molecularly elucidate and clinically explore whether the "xenohormesis hypothesis," which states that stress-induced synthesis of plant polyphenols and many other phytochemicals provides an environmental chemical signature that upregulates stress-resistance pathways in plant consumers, can be explained in terms of the reactivity of the AMPK/mTOR-axis to so-called xenohormetins. Here, we explore the AMPK/mTOR-xenohormetic nature of complex polyphenols naturally present in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a pivotal component of the Mediterranean style diet that has been repeatedly associated with a reduction in age-related morbid conditions and longer life expectancy. Using crude EVOO phenolic extracts highly enriched in the secoiridoids oleuropein aglycon and decarboxymethyl oleuropein aglycon, we show for the first time that (1) the anticancer activity of EVOO secoiridoids is related to the activation of anti-aging/cellular stress-like gene signatures, including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the unfolded protein response, spermidine and polyamine metabolism, sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) and NRF2 signaling; (2) EVOO secoiridoids activate AMPK and suppress crucial genes involved in the Warburg effect and the self-renewal capacity of "immortal" cancer stem cells; (3) EVOO secoiridoids prevent age-related changes in the cell size, morphological heterogeneity, arrayed cell arrangement and senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining of normal diploid human fibroblasts at the end of their proliferative lifespans. EVOO secoiridoids, which provide an effective defense against plant attack by herbivores and pathogens, are bona fide xenohormetins that are able to activate the gerosuppressor AMPK and trigger numerous resveratrol-like anti-aging transcriptomic signatures. As such, EVOO secoiridoids constitute a new family of plant-produced gerosuppressant agents that molecularly "repair" the aimless (and harmful) AMPK/mTOR-driven quasi-program that leads to aging and aging-related diseases, including cancer.

Method Validation for the One-Month Stability Study of trans-Resveratrol in Human Plasma

BACKGROUND

trans-Resveratrol (t-Res) is a natural phenolic compound with various biological activities such as antioxidant, anticancer, cancer chemopreventive, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective.

OBJECTIVES

There is no comprehensive study about the stability of t-Res in human plasma. With respect to extensive use of t-Res in clinical trials and pharmacokinetic studies, in this study, we aimed to measure the plasma stability of t-Res at different conditions of lighting, pH, and temperature, and in the presence of routine antioxidant agents (BHT and VIT C).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

t-Res stability in human plasma was evaluated at different conditions of lighting, pH and temperature, and in the presence of routine antioxidant agents (BHT and VIT C), and quantitatively determined using HPLC-UV method at 306 nm.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed that t-Res was quite stable in different temperatures ranging from -70 °C to 25 °C, and acidic pH conditions in plasma for a month, when protected from light, but it was unstable in alkali pH and in lighting conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

In lighting conditions, most of t-Res was isomerized to the other isomer cis-resveratrol. t-Res is unstable in alkali pH and when exposed to light. t-Res was quite stable at other conditions, and several freeze-thaw cycles did not have any effect on its stability.

Hepatic lipid metabolic pathways modified by resveratrol in rats fed an obesogenic diet

OBJECTIVE

The scientific community is on the look-out for safe biomolecules useful in the prevention of obesity and related aberrations such as fatty liver. This study analyzed the influence of resveratrol on hepatic triacylglycerol metabolism.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control and resveratrol-treated groups (30 mg/kg of body weight per day) and fed a commercial obesogenic diet for 6 wk. Liver triacylglycerol content and the activity of carnitine palmitoyl transferase-Ia (CPT-Ia), acyl-coenzyme A oxydase (ACO), fatty acid synthase (FAS), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), malic enzyme (ME), acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) activation were measured. Mitochondrial protein cytochrome C oxidase subunit 2 (COXII), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), hepatocyte nuclear factor receptor-4α (HNF-4α), and PGC-1α mRNA levels were also analyzed. Serum insulin was quantified.

RESULTS

Resveratrol decreased liver fat accumulation, increased CPT-Ia and ACO, and decreased ACC activities. Other lipogenic enzymes, FAS, ME, and G6PDH were not modified. The polyphenol activated AMPK and PGC-1α. The expression of SRBP-1c, PPAR-α, SIRT1, PGC-1α, HNF-4α, TFAM, and COXII was not modified. No changes in serum insulin levels were observed.

CONCLUSION

Resveratrol partly prevents the increase in liver fat accumulation induced by high-fat high-sucrose feeding by increasing fatty acid oxidation and decreasing lipogenesis. These effects are mediated by the activation of the AMPK/SIRT1 axis.

Resveratrol prevents ammonia toxicity in astroglial cells

Ammonia is implicated as a neurotoxin in brain metabolic disorders associated with hyperammonemia. Acute ammonia toxicity can be mediated by an excitotoxic mechanism, oxidative stress and nitric oxide (NO) production. Astrocytes interact with neurons, providing metabolic support and protecting against oxidative stress and excitotoxicity. Astrocytes also convert excess ammonia and glutamate into glutamine via glutamine synthetase (GS). Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grapes and red wines, exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and modulates glial functions, such as glutamate metabolism. We investigated the effect of resveratrol on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), GS activity, S100B secretion, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels in astroglial cells exposed to ammonia. Ammonia induced oxidative stress, decreased GS activity and increased cytokines release, probably by a mechanism dependent on protein kinase A (PKA) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways. Resveratrol prevented ammonia toxicity by modulating oxidative stress, glial and inflammatory responses. The ERK and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) are involved in the protective effect of resveratrol on cytokines proinflammatory release. In contrast, other antioxidants (e.g., ascorbic acid and trolox) were not effective against hyperammonemia. Thus, resveratrol could be used to protect against ammonia-induced neurotoxicity.

Differential proteomics identifies PDIA3 as a novel chemoprevention target in human colon cancer cells

Chemoprevention offers a promising strategy to prevent or delay the development of various cancers. Critical to this approach is the identification of molecular targets that may track with chemopreventive efficacy. To address this issue, we screened a panel of chemoprevention agents, including resveratrol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, ursodeoxycholic acid, and sulindac sulfide for their effects on human colon cancer cell viability. Resveratrol elicited the most potent effect in HCT116 cells and was selected for further study. Proteomic PF 2D maps were generated from HCT116 cells treated with resveratrol versus vehicle alone. Analysis of proteomic maps using tandem mass spectrometry (MS) identified a panel of differentially modified proteins. Two proteins, actin and Hsp60, were previously shown in other cell culture systems to be affected by resveratrol, validating our approach. PDIA3, RPL19, histone H2B and TCP1β were uniquely identified by our proteomic discovery platform. PDIA3 was of particular interest given its potential role in regulating chemosensitivity of cancer cells. Total levels of PDIA3 in HCT116 cells were unchanged following 24 h of resveratrol treatment, confirmed by Western blot analysis. Immunoprecipitation of PDIA3 revealed a new set of client proteins following resveratrol treatment, including α, β, and δ-catenins, and cellular fractionation identified decreased nuclear localization of α-catenin by resveratrol. These data establish differential proteomic mapping as a powerful tool for identifying novel molecular targets of chemopreventive agents.

[Reversal of aging and lifespan elongation. Current biomedical key publications and the implications for geriatrics]

Biological aging means a time-dependent accumulation of changes to which a living organism is being exposed during its lifetime. Biological aging normally concurs with chronological aging the time frame of which is set by an upper limit, the lifespan (in humans approximately 120 years). New findings in experimental biogerontology are challenging both the dogma of irreversibility of biological aging and the preset species-specific limitations of life. The present overview first explains the general principle of rejuvenation and reversal of biological aging with paradigms from stem cell research. Secondly, recent key publications on artificial telomerase elongation and (alleged) lifespan enhancement by sirtuins and resveratrol will be discussed with an emphasis on the implications for (future) geriatric medicine.

The interface between plant metabolic engineering and human health

The data on the benefits of consuming high levels of phytonutrients in fruit and vegetables to prevent or ameliorate chronic disease are very persuasive. To underpin reliable dietary recommendations and future campaigns for preventive medicine, significant fundamental research is required to define phytonutrients, their physiological effects following consumption, their mechanisms of action, the impact of the food matrix and synergistic interactions between phytonutrients. This information will set goals for biofortifying phytonutrients in crops, which can be achieved by metabolic engineering, either using natural variation or genetic engineering. Genetic engineering has potential to enrich diets significantly in phytonutrients to reduce the risk of chronic disease, even against an overall decline in the nutritional value of diets, in both the developing and developed worlds.

Cytotoxic effect of natural trans-resveratrol obtained from elicited Vitis vinifera cell cultures on three cancer cell lines

trans-Resveratrol (trans-R) has been reported to be a potential cancer chemopreventive agent. Although its cytotoxic activity against different cancer cell lines has been tested, its effect on human acute leukemia cell lines has scarcely been investigated, and only a few in vitro studies were performed using human breast epithelial cell lines. Due to its potential value for human health, demand for trans-R has rapidly increased, and new biotechnological strategies to obtain it from natural edible sources have been developed. Thus, grapevine cell cultures represent a reliable system of trans-R production since they biosynthesize trans-R constitutively or in response to elicitation. In addition, there are no studies deepen on the inhibitory effect of trans-R, produced by elicited grapevine cell cultures, on growth of human tumor cell lines. In this work, the effect of trans-R extracted from the culture medium, after elicitation of grapevine cell cultures, was tested on two human acute lymphocytic and monocytic leukemia cell lines, and one human breast cancer cell line. The effect of trans-R on cell proliferation was not only dose- and time-dependent but also cell type-dependent, as seen from the different degrees of susceptibility of cancer cell lines tested. As regards the effect of trans-R on cell cycle distribution, low trans-R concentrations increased cells in the S phase whereas a high trans-R concentration increased G₀/G₁ phase in all cell lines. Perturbation of the cell cycle at low trans-R concentrations did not correlate with the induction of cell death, whereas a high trans-R concentration, cell proliferation decreased as a result of increasing apoptosis in the three cell lines. In leukemia cells, trans-R up-regulated the expression of caspase-3 while trans-R-induced apoptosis in breast cells occur through a caspase-3-independent mechanism mediated by a down-regulation of Bcl-2.

trans-Resveratrol in nutraceuticals: issues in retail quality and effectiveness

Fourteen brands of resveratrol-containing nutraceuticals were evaluated in order to verify their actual resveratrol content and to control if their health-promoting properties are related to manufacturing quality. Products included pure resveratrol capsules or multi-ingredient formulations with standardized amounts of resveratrol and other phytochemicals. Samples were analyzed for total trans-resveratrol, flavonoids, procyanidin, polyphenol content and the results were compared with the content declared on-label. Only five out of 14 brands had near label values, compliant with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements (95–105% content of active constituent), four products were slightly out of this range (83–111%) and three were in the 8–64% range. Two samples were below the limit of detection. The greater the difference between actual and labeled resveratrol content, the lower was the antioxidant and antiproliferative activity strength. Dietary supplements containing pure trans-resveratrol exhibited a greater induction of differentiation towards human leukemic K562 cells when compared to multicomponent products. Great differences currently exist among resveratrol food supplements commercially available and GMP-grade quality should not be taken for granted. On the other side, dosages suggested by most “pure”, “high-dosage” supplements may allow a supplementation level adequate to obtain some of the purported health benefits.

Lentivirus-mediated Sirt1 shRNA and resveratrol independently induce porcine preadipocyte apoptosis by canonical apoptotic pathway

The effects of Sirt1 gene and resveratrol on porcine preadipocyte apoptosis have not been characterized. Here, we investigated the apoptotic effects of Sirt1 and resveratrol on porcine preadipocytes, finding that resveratrol-induced preadipocyte apoptosis and up-regulated protein levels of Sirt1. Intriguingly, Sirt1 knockdown by RNAi also resulted in preadipocyte apoptosis. Combining resveratrol treatment and Sirt1 knockdown has an additive effect to promote porcine preadipocyte death. We found that resveratrol treatment alone dose-dependently increased caspase-3 cleavage, as well as the levels of Bax, p53 and acetylated-p53. Interestingly, the ratio of acetylated-p53 over p53 was declined owing to deacetylation by increased Sirt1 expression. Down-regulation of Sirt1 also elevated the cleavage of caspase-3 with a decrease of p53 acetylation. These data indicate that although resveratrol treatment up-regulates Sirt1 expression, it augments porcine preadipocyte apoptosis in a Sirt1-independent manner. The regulation of apoptosis by resveratrol and Sirt1 may provide a novel insight to control preadipocyte number through cellular apoptosis.

Potent vasodilation effect of amurensin G is mediated through the phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) has important regulatory functions in vascular tone, and impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilatation is a key event in diabetes and atherosclerosis. Vitis amurensis grapes containing resveratrol oligomers are consumed as wine and fruit and have antioxidative and neuroprotective effects. In this study, our goal was identify the most potent eNOS-activating compound among six stilbenes and oligostilbenes found in V. amurensis and to clarify its molecular mechanism. Among the six tested compounds, amurensin G most potently relaxed endothelium-intact aortic rings and increased eNOS phosphorylation and nitric oxide (NO) production. Amurensin G increased both estrogen receptor (ER) phosphorylation and ER-dependent gene transcription, and ERα or ERβ inhibition suppressed amurensin G-mediated eNOS phosphorylation. Amurensin G enhanced the activities of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and Src and their chemical inhibitors suppressed amurensin G-stimulated eNOS phosphorylation. Moreover, amurensin G activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and amurensin G-stimulated eNOS phosphorylation and PI3K activation were reversed by AMPK inhibition. ER inhibition reversed AMPK-dependent PI3K activation in response to amurensin G. Amurensin G-mediated endothelium-dependent relaxation was blocked by inhibition of AMPK, ER, Src, or PI3K. These results suggest that amurensin G enhances NO production via eNOS phosphorylation in endothelial cells, and ER-dependent AMPK/PI3K pathways are required. Amurensin G would be applicable to prevent atherosclerosis.

Nutraceutical interventions for promoting healthy aging in invertebrate models

Aging is a complex and inevitable biological process that is associated with numerous chronically debilitating health effects. Development of effective interventions for promoting healthy aging is an active but challenging area of research. Mechanistic studies in various model organisms, noticeably two invertebrates, Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster, have identified many genes and pathways as well as dietary interventions that modulate lifespan and healthspan. These studies have shed light on some of the mechanisms involved in aging processes and provide valuable guidance for developing efficacious aging interventions. Nutraceuticals made from various plants contain a significant amount of phytochemicals with diverse biological activities. Phytochemicals can modulate many signaling pathways that exert numerous health benefits, such as reducing cancer incidence and inflammation, and promoting healthy aging. In this paper, we outline the current progress in aging intervention studies using nutraceuticals from an evolutionary perspective in invertebrate models.

Sirtuin activators and inhibitors

Sirtuins 1-7 (SIRT1-7) belong to the third class of deacetylase enzymes, which are dependent on NAD(+) for activity. Sirtuins activity is linked to gene repression, metabolic control, apoptosis and cell survival, DNA repair, development, inflammation, neuroprotection, and healthy aging. Because sirtuins modulation could have beneficial effects on human diseases there is a growing interest in the discovery of small molecules modifying their activities. We review here those compounds known to activate or inhibit sirtuins, discussing the data that support the use of sirtuin-based therapies. Almost all sirtuin activators have been described only for SIRT1. Resveratrol is a natural compound which activates SIRT1, and may help in the treatment or prevention of obesity, and in preventing tumorigenesis and the aging-related decline in heart function and neuronal loss. Due to its poor bioavailability, reformulated versions of resveratrol with improved bioavailability have been developed (resVida, Longevinex(®) , SRT501). Molecules that are structurally unrelated to resveratrol (SRT1720, SRT2104, SRT2379, among others) have been also developed to stimulate sirtuin activities more potently than resveratrol. Sirtuin inhibitors with a wide range of core structures have been identified for SIRT1, SIRT2, SIRT3 and SIRT5 (splitomicin, sirtinol, AGK2, cambinol, suramin, tenovin, salermide, among others). SIRT1 inhibition has been proposed in the treatment of cancer, immunodeficiency virus infections, Fragile X mental retardation syndrome and for preventing or treating parasitic diseases, whereas SIRT2 inhibitors might be useful for the treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

Resveratrol-poor red wines modulate SIRT1 in human renal cells

The cardioprotective and anti-aging effects of red wine phenols, especially resveratrol (RSV), are well known. One of the most interesting biological properties of RSV and other naturally occurring phenols is the regulation of the expression and activity of SIRT1 (silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog). In view of the role of SIRT1 in acute and chronic renal diseases, we decided to study the effects of RSV-poor red wines on the expression of SIRT1 and HIF-2α (hypoxia-inducible factor 2α) to be compared with a nanomolar concentration of RSV or malvidin in proximal tubular cells of human kidneys (PTEC). Survival signaling systems activation (extracellular signal-regulated kinases, ERK and AMP-activated protein kinase, AMPK) was also investigated in PTEC incubated with wines. PTEC cells were incubated in the presence of RSV-poor wines diluted 1:1,000 for 30', 90', 120' and 24 h. Expression of SIRT1 and HIF-2α, and activation of ERK and AMPK were analyzed by Western Blot. The data obtained show that wine modulates the expression of anti-aging molecular systems even when RSV is present in very small amounts.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound found in many products commonly consumed in the American diet. The reported benefits of resveratrol are broad and include antiaging effects, antioxidant effects, anticancer effects, neuroprotective effects, and an array of cardiovascular benefits such as improved cholesterol profiles, reduced atherosclerosis, improved glucose homeostasis, decreased blood pressure, and reduced ischemia– reperfusion injury. The current article discusses the literature relating the dosing, safety, and effectiveness of resveratrol for extended life span and improved cardiovascular health. Additionally, recommendations for use in clinical practice are discussed.

The journey of resveratrol from yeast to human

The natural polyphenolic compound resveratrol was first discovered in the 1940s. In the recent years, this compound received renewed interest as several findings implicated resveratrol as a potent SIRT1 activator capable of mimicking the effects of calorie restriction, and regulating longevity in lower organisms. Given the worldwide increase in age-related metabolic diseases the beneficial effects of resveratrol on metabolism and healthy aging in humans are currently a topic of intense investigation.

Resveratrol and some glucosyl, glucosylacyl, and glucuronide derivatives reduce Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes Scott A adhesion to colonic epithelial cell lines

The efficacy of resveratrol and some glucosyl, glucosylacyl, and glucuronide derivatives in inhibiting the adhesion of Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes Scott A to Caco-2 and HT-29 colonic cells was investigated. The three bacteria strains were capable of adhering to both colonic epithelial cell lines, which responded by producing the pro-inflammatory interleukin 8 (IL-8). Adhesion inhibition of E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium to colonic cells was ≥60 and ≥40%, respectively, when resveratrol and most of the resveratrol derivatives were applied. Lower adhesion inhibition was observed for the bacteria with higher adherence potential, L. monocytogenes (≥20%). Resveratrol-3-O-(6'-O-butanoyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (BUT) (50 and 100 μM) and resveratrol-3-O-(6'-O-octanoyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (OCT) (50 μM) reduced IL-8 secretion by 100%. These results suggest that one mechanism for the beneficial attributes of resveratrol and especially the derivatives BUT and OCT could be the ability to reduce the adhesion and consequent pro-inflammatory cytokine production in intestinal epithelial cells in response to pathogen adhesion. The potential use of these compounds in the prevention of foodborne infections, intestinal homeostasis loss, and inflammatory bowel diseases could be another step in finding coadjuvants or alternatives to antibiotic treatments.

One-year consumption of a grape nutraceutical containing resveratrol improves the inflammatory and fibrinolytic status of patients in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease

The search for complementary treatments in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a high-priority challenge. Grape and wine polyphenol resveratrol confers CV benefits, in part by exerting anti-inflammatory effects. However, the evidence in human long-term clinical trials has yet to be established. We aimed to investigate the effects of a dietary resveratrol-rich grape supplement on the inflammatory and fibrinolytic status of subjects at high risk of CVD and treated according to current guidelines for primary prevention of CVD. Seventy-five patients undergoing primary prevention of CVD participated in this triple-blinded, randomized, parallel, dose-response, placebo-controlled, 1-year follow-up trial. Patients, allocated in 3 groups, consumed placebo (maltodextrin), a resveratrol-rich grape supplement (resveratrol 8 mg), or a conventional grape supplement lacking resveratrol, for the first 6 months and a double dose for the next 6 months. In contrast to placebo and conventional grape supplement, the resveratrol-rich grape supplement significantly decreased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (-26%, p = 0.03), tumor necrosis factor-α (-19.8%, p = 0.01), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (-16.8%, p = 0.03), and interleukin-6/interleukin-10 ratio (-24%, p = 0.04) and increased anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (19.8%, p = 0.00). Adiponectin (6.5%, p = 0.07) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (-5.7%, p = 0.06) tended to increase and decrease, respectively. No adverse effects were observed in any patient. In conclusion, 1-year consumption of a resveratrol-rich grape supplement improved the inflammatory and fibrinolytic status in patients who were on statins for primary prevention of CVD and at high CVD risk (i.e., with diabetes or hypercholesterolemia plus ≥1 other CV risk factor). Our results show for the first time that a dietary intervention with grape resveratrol could complement the gold standard therapy in the primary prevention of CVD.

Wine polyphenols: potential agents in neuroprotection

There are numerous studies indicating that a moderate consumption of red wine provides certain health benefits, such as the protection against neurodegenerative diseases. This protective effect is most likely due to the presence of phenolic compounds in wine. Wine polyphenolic compounds are well known for the antioxidant properties. Oxidative stress is involved in many forms of cellular and molecular deterioration. This damage can lead to cell death and various neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's diseases. Extensive investigations have been undertaken to determine the neuroprotective effects of wine-related polyphenols. In this review we present the neuroprotective abilities of the major classes of wine-related polyphenols.

Aging epigenetics: causes and consequences

Growth and development of higher organisms are regulated by the orchestrated change of epigenetic marks over time. In addition, there is also an epigenetic variation without any apparent role in development that is thought to be the result of the stochastic accumulation of epigenetic errors. The process depends on genetic and environmental factors and, when it takes place in adult stem cells, it could play an important role in aging, although the underlying molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown.

Resveratrol treatment reduces cardiac progenitor cell dysfunction and prevents morpho-functional ventricular remodeling in type-1 diabetic rats

Emerging evidence suggests that both adult cardiac cell and the cardiac stem/progenitor cell (CSPC) compartments are involved in the patho-physiology of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). We evaluated whether early administration of Resveratrol, a natural antioxidant polyphenolic compound, in addition to improving cardiomyocyte function, exerts a protective role on (i) the progenitor cell pool, and (ii) the myocardial environment and its impact on CSPCs, positively interfering with the onset of DCM phenotype. Adult Wistar rats (n = 128) with streptozotocin-induced type-1 diabetes were either untreated (D group; n = 54) or subjected to administration of trans-Resveratrol (i.p. injection: 2.5 mg/Kg/day; DR group; n = 64). Twenty-five rats constituted the control group (C). After 1, 3 or 8 weeks of hyperglycemia, we evaluated cardiac hemodynamic performance, and cardiomyocyte contractile properties and intracellular calcium dynamics. Myocardial remodeling and tissue inflammation were also assessed by morphometry, immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Eventually, the impact of the diabetic “milieu” on CSPC turnover was analyzed in co-cultures of healthy CSPCs and cardiomyocytes isolated from D and DR diabetic hearts. In untreated animals, cardiac function was maintained during the first 3 weeks of hyperglycemia, although a definite ventricular remodeling was already present, mainly characterized by a marked loss of CSPCs and adult cardiac cells. Relevant signs of ventricular dysfunction appeared after 8 weeks of diabetes, and included: 1) a significant reduction in ±dP/dt in comparison with C group, 2) a prolongation of isovolumic contraction/relaxation times, 3) an impaired contraction of isolated cardiomyocytes associated with altered intracellular calcium dynamics. Resveratrol administration reduced atrial CSPC loss, succeeded in preserving the functional abilities of CSPCs and mature cardiac cells, improved cardiac environment by reducing inflammatory state and decreased unfavorable ventricular remodeling of the diabetic heart, leading to a marked recovery of ventricular function. These findings indicate that RSV can constitute an adjuvant therapeutic option in DCM prevention.