Resveratrol: from basic studies to bedside

Therapeutic Potential of Resveratrol and Lignans in the Management of Tuberculosis

This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of herbal remedies, specifically resveratrol and lignans, as alternative treatments for tuberculosis (TB), given the challenges posed by drug-resistant strains and adverse effects of conventional therapies. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to analyze the mechanisms of action, safety profiles, and efficacy of resveratrol and lignans in the context of TB management. This review focused on the bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects of these compounds, examining their interaction with Mycobacterium tuberculosis within macrophages. Resveratrol and lignans were found to exhibit significant antibacterial properties through mechanisms such as SIRT1 modulation, coenzyme A transferase inhibition, suppression of intracellular bacterial proliferation in macrophages, and induction of autophagy. These mechanisms contribute to their effectiveness in combating TB and highlight their potential as alternative therapeutic agents.

A mechanistic insight into the anticancer potentials of resveratrol: Current perspectives

Resveratrol is a widely recognized polyphenolic phytochemical found in various plants and their fruits, such as peanuts, grapes, and berry fruits. It is renowned for its several health advantages. The phytochemical is well known for its anticancer properties, and a substantial amount of clinical evidence has also established its promise as a chemotherapeutic agent. This study focuses on assessing the anticancer properties of resveratrol and gaining insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms. It also evaluates the biopharmaceutical, toxicological characteristics, and clinical utilization of resveratrol to determine its suitability for further development as a reliable anticancer agent. Therefore, the information about preclinical and clinical studies was collected from different electronic databases up-to-date (2018-2023). Findings from this study revealed that resveratrol has potent therapeutic benefits against various cancers involving different molecular mechanisms, such as induction of oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, inhibition of cell migration and invasion, autophagy, arresting of the S phase of the cell cycle, apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, and antiproliferative effects by regulating different molecular pathways including PI3K/AKT, p38/MAPK/ERK, NGFR-AMPK-mTOR, and so on. However, the compound has poor oral bioavailability due to reduced absorption; this limitation is overcome by applying nanotechnology (nanoformulation of resveratrol). Clinical application also showed therapeutic benefits in several types of cancer with no serious adverse effects. We suggest additional extensive studies to further check the efficacy, safety, and long-term hazards. This could involve a larger number of clinical samples to establish the compound as a reliable drug in the treatment of cancer.

Resveratrol protects osteocytes against oxidative stress in ovariectomized rats through AMPK/JNK1-dependent pathway leading to promotion of autophagy and inhibition of apoptosis

A large number of studies in recent years indicate that osteocytes are the orchestrators of bone remodeling by regulating both osteoblast and osteoclast activities. Oxidative stress-induced osteocyte apoptosis plays critical roles in the pathological processes of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound that ameliorates postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, whether resveratrol regulates osteocyte apoptosis via autophagy remains largely unknown. The effects of resveratrol on regulating osteocyte apoptosis and autophagy were analyzed both in vivo and in vitro. In vitro, cultured MLO-Y4 cells were exposed to H₂O₂ with or without resveratrol. In vivo, an ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis model was constructed in rats with or without daily intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg body weight resveratrol. It was found that resveratrol attenuated H₂O₂-induced apoptosis through activating autophagy in cultured MLO-Y4 cells, which was mediated by the dissociation of Beclin-1/Bcl-2 complex in AMPK/JNK1-dependent pathway, ultimately regulating osteocytes function. Furthermore, it was shown that resveratrol treatment reduced osteocytes oxidative stress, inhibited osteocytes apoptosis and promoted autophagy in ovariectomized rats. Our study suggests that resveratrol protects against oxidative stress by restoring osteocytes autophagy and alleviating apoptosis via AMPK/JNK1 activation, therefore dissociating Bcl-2 from Beclin-1.

Cellular Senescence in Immunity against Infections

Cellular senescence is characterized by irreversible cell cycle arrest in response to different triggers and an inflammatory secretome. Although originally described in fibroblasts and cell types of solid organs, cellular senescence affects most tissues with advancing age, including the lymphoid tissue, causing chronic inflammation and dysregulation of both innate and adaptive immune functions. Besides its normal occurrence, persistent microbial challenge or pathogenic microorganisms might also accelerate the activation of cellular aging, inducing the premature senescence of immune cells. Therapeutic strategies counteracting the detrimental effects of cellular senescence are being developed. Their application to target immune cells might have the potential to improve immune dysfunctions during aging and reduce the age-dependent susceptibility to infections. In this review, we discuss how immune senescence influences the host’s ability to resolve more common infections in the elderly and detail the different markers proposed to identify such senescent cells; the mechanisms by which infectious agents increase the extent of immune senescence are also reviewed. Finally, available senescence therapeutics are discussed in the context of their effects on immunity and against infections.

Beneficial effect of polyphenols in COVID-19 and the ectopic F1 FO -ATP synthase: Is there a link?

COVID-19 has been proposed to be an endothelial disease, as endothelial damage and oxidative stress contribute to its systemic inflammatory and thrombotic events. Polyphenols, natural antioxidant compounds appear as promising agents to prevent and treat COVID-19. Polyphenols bind and inhibit the F₁ F_o -ATP synthase rotary catalysis. An early target of polyphenols may be the ectopic F₁ F_o -ATP synthase expressed on the endothelial plasma membrane. Among the pleiotropic beneficial action of polyphenols in COVID-19, modulation of the ecto-F₁ F_o -ATP synthase, lowering the oxidative stress produced by the electron transfer chain coupled to it, would not be negligible.

PPAR-gamma agonists: Potential modulators of autophagy in obesity

Autophagy pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of some obesity related health problems. As obesity is a nutrient sufficiency condition, autophagy process can be altered in obesity through AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibition. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) as the main modulator of adipogenesis process can be effective in the regulation of obesity related phenotypes. As well, it has been revealed that PPAR-gamma and its agonists can regulate autophagy in different normal or cancer cells. However, their effects on autophagy modulation in obesity have been investigated in the limited number of studies. In the current comprehensive mechanistic review, we aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms of action of PPAR-gamma on the process of autophagy in obesity through narrating the effects of PPAR-gamma on autophagy in the non-obesity conditions. Moreover, mode of action of PPAR-gamma agonists on autophagy related implications comprehensively reviewed in the various studies. Understanding the different effects of PPAR-gamma agonists on autophagy in obesity can help to develop a new approach to management of obesity.

Targeting long non coding RNA by natural products: Implications for cancer therapy

In spite of achieving substantial progress in its therapeutic strategies, cancer-associated prevalence and mortality are persistently rising globally. However, most malignant cancers either cannot be adequately diagnosed at the primary phase or resist against multiple treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy as well as targeting therapy. In recent decades, overwhelming evidences have provided more convincing words on the undeniable roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in incidence and development of various cancer types. Recently, phytochemical and nutraceutical compounds have received a great deal of attention due to their inhibitory and stimulatory effects on oncogenic and tumor suppressor lncRNAs respectively that finally may lead to attenuate various processes of cancer cells such as growth, proliferation, metastasis and invasion. Therefore, application of phytochemicals with anticancer characteristics can be considered as an innovative approach for treating cancer and increasing the sensitivity of cancer cells to standard prevailing therapies. The purpose of this review was to investigate the effect of various phytochemicals on regulation of lncRNAs in different human cancer and evaluate their capabilities for cancer treatment and prevention.

Dual Role of SIRT1 in Autophagy and Lipid Metabolism Regulation in Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes

Background and Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common and highly prevalent types of arthritis, also considered a multiphenotypic disease with a strong metabolic component. Ageing is the primary risk factor for OA, while the age-related decline in autophagic activity affects cell function and chondrocyte homeostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in autophagy dysregulation and lipid metabolism in human OA chondrocytes. Materials and Methods: OA chondrocytes were treated with Resveratrol, Hydroxycloroquine (HCQ) or 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) and HCQ or 3-MA followed by siRNA against SIRT1 (siSIRT1). Then, SIRT1, AcNF-κBp65, LOX-1 and autophagy-related proteins ATG5, ATG13, PI3K class III, Beclin-1, LC3 and ULK protein levels were evaluated using Western blot. Normal articular chondrocytes were treated under serum starvation and/or siSIRT1, and the protein expression levels of the above autophagy-related proteins were evaluated. The staining patterns of LC3/p62 and LOX-1 were analyzed microscopically by immunofluorescence. SIRT1/LC3 complex formation was analyzed by immunoprecipitation. Results: SIRT1 and LOX-1 protein expression were negatively correlated in OA chondrocytes. SIRT1 regulated LOX-1 expression via NF-κΒ deacetylation, while treatment with Resveratrol enhanced SIRT1 enzymatic activity, resulting in LOX-1 downregulation and autophagy induction. In OA chondrocytes, SIRT1 was recognized as an autophagy substrate, formed a complex with LC3 and was consequently subjected to cytoplasmic autophagosome-lysosome degradation. Moreover, siSIRT1-treated normal chondrocytes showed decreased autophagic activity, while double-treated (siSIRT1 and serum starvation) cells showed no induction of autophagy. Conclusions: Our results suggest that SIRT1 regulates lipid homeostasis through LOX-1 expression regulation. Additionally, we indicate that the necessity of SIRT1 for autophagy induction in normal chondrocytes, together with its selective autophagic degradation in OA chondrocytes, could contribute to autophagy dysregulation in OA. We, therefore, suggest a novel regulatory scheme that functionally connects lipid metabolism and autophagy in late-stage OA.

Resveratrol prevents TNF--induced VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 upregulation in endothelial progenitor cells via reduction of NF-B activation

Objective

To assess the effects of resveratrol (RSV) on expression of adhesion molecules in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) following tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) stimulation.

Methods

EPCs were treated with RSV and stimulated with TNF-α. A mononuclear cell (MNC) adhesion assay was used to assess the effects of RSV on TNF-α-induced MNC adhesion. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin expression levels and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation were assessed by immunoblotting.

Results

MNC adhesion to TNF-α-treated EPCs and VCAM-1/ICAM-1/E-selectin levels in EPCs were increased following TNF-α stimulation and decreased following RSV treatment. TNF-α enhanced NF-κB inhibitor α (IκB-α) phosphorylation in the cytosol as well as nuclear NF-κB p65 levels, both of which were decreased by RSV.

Conclusions

These findings provide new insights into RSV’s anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects. RSV’s mechanism of action might involve downregulation of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin by partial blockade of TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation and IκB-α phosphorylation in EPCs.

Resveratrol loaded polymeric micelles for theranostic targeting of breast cancer cells

Treatment of breast cancer underwent extensive progress in recent years with molecularly targeted therapies. However, non-specific pharmaceutical approaches (chemotherapy) persist, inducing severe side-effects. Phytochemicals provide a promising alternative for breast cancer prevention and treatment. Specifically, resveratrol (res) is a plant-derived polyphenolic phytoalexin with potent biological activity but displays poor water solubility, limiting its clinical use. Here we have developed a strategy for delivering res using a newly synthesized nano-carrier with the potential for both diagnosis and treatment.

Methods: Res-loaded nanoparticles were synthesized by the emulsion method using Pluronic F127 block copolymer and Vitamin E-TPGS. Nanoparticle characterization was performed by SEM and tunable resistive pulse sensing. Encapsulation Efficiency (EE%) and Drug Loading (DL%) content were determined by analysis of the supernatant during synthesis. Nanoparticle uptake kinetics in breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 as well as in MCF-10A breast epithelial cells were evaluated by flow cytometry and the effects of res on cell viability via MTT assay.

Results: Res-loaded nanoparticles with spherical shape and a dominant size of 179±22 nm were produced. Res was loaded with high EE of 73±0.9% and DL content of 6.2±0.1%. Flow cytometry revealed higher uptake efficiency in breast cancer cells compared to the control. An MTT assay showed that res-loaded nanoparticles reduced the viability of breast cancer cells with no effect on the control cells.

Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the newly synthesized nanoparticle is a good model for the encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs. Additionally, the nanoparticle delivers a natural compound and is highly effective and selective against breast cancer cells rendering this type of nanoparticle an excellent candidate for diagnosis and therapy of difficult to treat mammary malignancies.

STAT3 signaling statuses determine the fate of resveratrol-treated anaplastic thyroid cancer cells

BACKGROUNDS

Anaplastic thyroid cancer/ATC is highly lethal malignancy without reliable chemotherapeutic drug. Resveratrol possesses anti-ATC activities but encounters resistance in some cases due to certain unknown reason(s).

OBJECTIVE

Because signal transducer and activator of transcription/STAT3 signaling is critical for ATC cell survival and the main molecular target of resveratrol, its roles in determining the fates of resveratrol-treated ATC cells were investigated here.

METHODS

Human THJ-11T, THJ-16 and THJ-21T ATC cell lines were treated by 100 μM resveratrol and their growth, statuses of STAT3 signaling and STAT3-related gene expression were examined. The relevance of STAT3 activation with resveratrol resistance was elucidated using STAT selective inhibitor AG490. Leukemia inhibitory factor/LIF expression and phosphorylated-STAT3/p-STAT3 nuclear translocation in ATC tissues were immunohistochemically analyzed.

RESULTS

Resveratrol inhibited proliferation, p-STAT3 nuclear translocation as well as LIF and STAT3 expression of THJ-16T and THJ-21T but not THJ-21T cells which showed LIF upregulation and more frequent p-STAT3 nuclear translocation. AG490 significantly prevent p-STAT3 nuclear translocation, and reversed the resveratrol tolerance of THJ-11T cells. Immonohistochemical staining revealed 14.3% (4/28) of LIF and 3.6% (1/28) of p-STAT3 detection in noncancerous ATC-surrounding tissues, which increased to 89.5% (17/19) and 52.6% (10/19) respectively among ATC specimens. The correlative analysis indicated the relevance of LIF expression and STAT3 activation (r= 0.825; P< 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The status of STAT3 activation and LIF expression are closely correlated with the therapeutic effect of resveratrol on ATCs. Frequent LIF upregulation and STAT3 activation are the unfavorable factors of ATCs and the potential targets of anti-ATC therapy.

Herbal Remedies as Potential in Cartilage Tissue Engineering: An Overview of New Therapeutic Approaches and Strategies

It is estimated that by 2023, approximately 20% of the population of Western Europe and North America will suffer from a degenerative joint disease commonly known as osteoarthritis (OA). During the development of OA, pro-inflammatory cytokines are one of the major causes that drive the production of inflammatory mediators and thus of matrix-degrading enzymes. OA is a challenging disease for doctors due to the limitation of the joint cartilage's capacity to repair itself. Though new treatment approaches, in particular with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that integrate the tissue engineering (TE) of cartilage tissue, are promising, they are not only expensive but more often do not lead to the regeneration of joint cartilage. Therefore, there is an increasing need for novel, safe, and more effective alternatives to promote cartilage joint regeneration and TE. Indeed, naturally occurring phytochemical compounds (herbal remedies) have a great anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anabolic potential, and they have received much attention for the development of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including the prevention of age-related OA and cartilage TE. This paper summarizes recent research on herbal remedies and their chondroinductive and chondroprotective effects on cartilage and progenitor cells, and it also emphasizes the possibilities that exist in this research area, especially with regard to the nutritional support of cartilage regeneration and TE, which may not benefit from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Long non-coding RNAs are emerging targets of phytochemicals for cancer and other chronic diseases

The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are the crucial regulators of human chronic diseases. Therefore, approaches such as antisense oligonucleotides, RNAi technology, and small molecule inhibitors have been used for the therapeutic targeting of lncRNAs. During the last decade, phytochemicals and nutraceuticals have been explored for their potential against lncRNAs. The common lncRNAs known to be modulated by phytochemicals include ROR, PVT1, HOTAIR, MALAT1, H19, MEG3, PCAT29, PANDAR, NEAT1, and GAS5. The phytochemicals such as curcumin, resveratrol, sulforaphane, berberine, EGCG, and gambogic acid have been examined against lncRNAs. In some cases, formulation of phytochemicals has also been used. The disease models where phytochemicals have been demonstrated to modulate lncRNAs expression include cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The regulation of lncRNAs by phytochemicals can affect multi-steps of tumor development. When administered in combination with the conventional drugs, phytochemicals can also produce synergistic effects on lncRNAs leading to the sensitization of cancer cells. Phytochemicals target lncRNAs either directly or indirectly by affecting a wide variety of upstream molecules. However, the potential of phytochemicals against lncRNAs has been demonstrated mostly by preclinical studies in cancer models. How the modulation of lncRNAs by phytochemicals produce therapeutic effects on cancer and other chronic diseases is discussed in this review.

Health benefits of resveratrol: Evidence from clinical studies

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic nutraceutical that exhibits pleiotropic activities in human subjects. The efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of resveratrol have been documented in over 244 clinical trials, with an additional 27 clinical trials currently ongoing. Resveretrol is reported to potentially improve the therapeutic outcome in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus, obesity, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, multiple myeloma, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases, inflammatory diseases, and rhinopharyngitis. The polyphenol is reported to be safe at doses up to 5 g/d, when used either alone or as a combination therapy. The molecular basis for the pleiotropic activities of resveratrol are based on its ability to modulate multiple cell signaling molecules such as cytokines, caspases, matrix metalloproteinases, Wnt, nuclear factor-κB, Notch, 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase, intercellular adhesion molecule, vascular cell adhesion molecule, sirtuin type 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α, insulin-like growth factor 1, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3, Ras association domain family 1α, pAkt, vascular endothelial growth factor, cyclooxygenase 2, nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2, and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1. Although the clinical utility of resveratrol is well documented, the rapid metabolism and poor bioavailability have limited its therapeutic use. In this regard, the recently produced micronized resveratrol formulation called SRT501, shows promise. This review discusses the currently available clinical data on resveratrol in the prevention, management, and treatment of various diseases and disorders. Based on the current evidence, the potential utility of this molecule in the clinic is discussed.

The combined treatment of brassinin and imatinib synergistically downregulated the expression of MMP-9 in SW480 colon cancer cells

In cancer treatment, which is a major cause of mortality today, combination studies with clinically used chemotherapeutics are becoming increasingly important as much as investigating the effects of novel natural compounds. In this context, phytoalexins constitute an important group due to their unique structure. Brassinin is an essential indole phytoalexin and is a biosynthetic precursor for other phytoalexins. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anticancer effects of brassinin in combination with imatinib in SW480 cells. In the study, it was observed that brassinin-imatinib combination significantly increased cytotoxicity compared with the single treatment of both compounds and inhibited cell cycle at G0/G1 phase. Annexin V binding and fluorescence imaging assays showed that the combination of brasinin-imatinib induces apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the effect of brassinin on the activity of MMP-9 in SW480 cells was evaluated for the first time, and it was detected that MMP-9 activity was significantly reduced. The combination of brassinin-imatinib was found to inhibit MMP-9 activity as well as relative MMP-9 gene expression on a higher level compared with control and compounds alone. Our findings have revealed that the combination of brassinin-imatinib synergistically induces cytotoxicity and apoptosis in SW480 cells. The findings on MMP-9 downregulation have also revealed the anti-metastatic potential of treatment.

Targeting autophagy in obesity: from pathophysiology to management

Obesity poses a severe threat to human health, including the increased prevalence of hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, cancer, inflammation, sleep apnoea and other chronic diseases. Current therapies focus mainly on suppressing caloric intake, but the efficacy of this approach remains poor. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of obesity will be essential for the management of obesity and its complications. Knowledge gained over the past three decades regarding the aetiological mechanisms underpinning obesity has provided a framework that emphasizes energy imbalance and neurohormonal dysregulation, which are tightly regulated by autophagy. Accordingly, there is an emerging interest in the role of autophagy, a conserved homeostatic process for cellular quality control through the disposal and recycling of cellular components, in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and organ function by selectively ridding cells of potentially toxic proteins, lipids and organelles. Indeed, defects in autophagy homeostasis are implicated in metabolic disorders, including obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. In this Review, the alterations in autophagy that occur in response to nutrient stress, and how these changes alter the course of obesogenesis and obesity-related complications, are discussed. The potential of pharmacological modulation of autophagy for the management of obesity is also addressed.

Anti-Obesity Effect of the Above-Ground Part of Valeriana dageletiana Nakai ex F. Maek Extract in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese C57BL/6N Mice

Valeriana dageletiana Nakai ex F. Maek (VD) has been used as traditional medicine for the treatment of restlessness and sleeping disorders. However, it is still unclear whether obesity in mice can be altered by diet supplementation with VD. In this study, we first investigated the influences of VD on the accumulation of lipid content in 3T3-L1 cells; and the results showed that the above-ground VD extracts (VDAE) suppressed the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a concentration-dependent manner without cytotoxicity. Thus, the effects of VDAE on preventing obesity were then studied in the C57BL/6N mice for 10 weeks (n = 6): normal-fat diet, high-fat diet (HFD), HFD supplemented with 1% (10 g/kg) Garcinia combogia extract (positive control), and HFD supplemented with 1% (10 g/kg) VDAE. The results showed that VDAE reduced food efficiency ratio, body weight, epididymal adipose and hepatic tissue weight, hepatic lipid metabolites, and triacylglycerol and cholesterol serum levels compared to the high-fat diet group. Moreover, VD significantly inhibited the expression of adipogenic genes, such as PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, and aP2, and lipogenic genes, such as SREBP-1c, FAS, SCD-1, and CD36, in epididymal adipose tissue and hepatic tissue. These findings indicate anti-adipogenic and anti-lipogenic effects of VDAE and suggest that it could be a potent functional food ingredient for the prevention of high-fat diet-induced obesity.

Resveratrol-induced autophagy is dependent on IP3Rs and on cytosolic Ca2

Previous work revealed that intracellular Ca²⁺ signals and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃) receptors (IP₃R) are essential to increase autophagic flux in response to mTOR inhibition, induced by either nutrient starvation or rapamycin treatment. Here, we investigated whether autophagy induced by resveratrol, a polyphenolic phytochemical reported to trigger autophagy in a non-canonical way, also requires IP₃Rs and Ca²⁺ signaling. Resveratrol augmented autophagic flux in a time-dependent manner in HeLa cells. Importantly, autophagy induced by resveratrol (80μM, 2h) was completely abolished in the presence of 10μM BAPTA-AM, an intracellular Ca²⁺-chelating agent. To elucidate the IP₃R's role in this process, we employed the recently established HEK 3KO cells lacking all three IP₃R isoforms. In contrast to the HEK293 wt cells and to HEK 3KO cells re-expressing IP₃R1, autophagic responses in HEK 3KO cells exposed to resveratrol were severely impaired. These altered autophagic responses could not be attributed to alterations in the mTOR/p70S6K pathway, since resveratrol-induced inhibition of S6 phosphorylation was not abrogated by chelating cytosolic Ca²⁺ or by knocking out IP₃Rs. Finally, we investigated whether resveratrol by itself induced Ca²⁺ release. In permeabilized HeLa cells, resveratrol neither affected the sarco- and endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ ATPase (SERCA) activity nor the IP₃-induced Ca²⁺ release nor the basal Ca²⁺ leak from the ER. Also, prolonged (4 h) treatment with 100μM resveratrol did not affect subsequent IP₃-induced Ca²⁺ release. However, in intact HeLa cells, although resveratrol did not elicit cytosolic Ca²⁺ signals by itself, it acutely decreased the ER Ca²⁺-store content irrespective of the presence or absence of IP₃Rs, leading to a dampened agonist-induced Ca²⁺ signaling. In conclusion, these results reveal that IP₃Rs and cytosolic Ca²⁺ signaling are fundamentally important for driving autophagic flux, not only in response to mTOR inhibition but also in response to non-canonical autophagy inducers like resveratrol. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: ECS Meeting edited by Claus Heizmann, Joachim Krebs and Jacques Haiech.

Role of Resveratrol (RES) in Regenerative Medicine

Within the last quarter century, technology has been a major catalyst of the advancement in various fields of scientific knowledge, particularly medical research. This new enlightenment has spurred the exploration of alternative treatment methods to some of society's most problematic diseases. One such innovative treatment is the use of Resveratrol (RES) to treat a number of pathophysiological conditions. RES is a natural polyphenolic compound found in the skin(s) of blueberries, red grapes (a major constituent of red wine), some vegetables, and even peanuts. The compound has a number of potent regenerative properties, which include: anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative. Research has confirmed both in vivo and in vitro RES's beneficial applications to numerous diseases. This chapter centers on its unique healing powers and beneficial applications against myriad debilitating conditions.

Resveratrol prevents endothelial progenitor cells from senescence and reduces the oxidative reaction via PPAR‑γ/HO‑1 pathways

Increasing evidence suggests endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) improve neovascularization and endothelium regeneration. Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenolic compound, which has been demonstrated to exert multiple protective effects on the cardiovascular system, including inhibition of platelet adhesion and aggregation, reduction of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, and suppression of neointimal hyperplasia of injured vascular tissue. The present study investigated the role of RSV on levels of oxidative stress and senescence of EPCs, and the effects of RSV on vascular-promoting and/or vascular-healing capacity of EPCs. It was demonstrated that EPCs could promote the repair of endothelium of the injured artery. RSV reduced the oxidative reaction of EPCs and inhibited EPC senescence, and these effects may occur via the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathways.

Autism genes are selectively targeted by environmental pollutants including pesticides, heavy metals, bisphenol A, phthalates and many others in food, cosmetics or household products

The increasing incidence of autism suggests a major environmental influence. Epidemiology has implicated many candidates and genetics many susceptibility genes. Gene/environment interactions in autism were analysed using 206 autism susceptibility genes (ASG's) from the Autworks database to interrogate ∼1 million chemical/gene interactions in the comparative toxicogenomics database. Any bias towards ASG's was statistically determined for each chemical. Many suspect compounds identified in epidemiology, including tetrachlorodibenzodioxin, pesticides, particulate matter, benzo(a)pyrene, heavy metals, valproate, acetaminophen, SSRI's, cocaine, bisphenol A, phthalates, polyhalogenated biphenyls, flame retardants, diesel constituents, terbutaline and oxytocin, inter alia showed a significant degree of bias towards ASG's, as did relevant endogenous agents (retinoids, sex steroids, thyroxine, melatonin, folate, dopamine, serotonin). Numerous other suspected endocrine disruptors (over 100) selectively targeted ASG's including paraquat, atrazine and other pesticides not yet studied in autism and many compounds used in food, cosmetics or household products, including tretinoin, soy phytoestrogens, aspartame, titanium dioxide and sodium fluoride. Autism polymorphisms influence the sensitivity to some of these chemicals and these same genes play an important role in barrier function and control of respiratory cilia sweeping particulate matter from the airways. Pesticides, heavy metals and pollutants also disrupt barrier and/or ciliary function, which is regulated by sex steroids and by bitter/sweet taste receptors. Further epidemiological studies and neurodevelopmental and behavioural research is warranted to determine the relevance of large number of suspect candidates whose addition to the environment, household, food and cosmetics might be fuelling the autism epidemic in a gene-dependent manner.

(Z)-3,5,4'-Trimethoxystilbene Limits Hepatitis C and Cancer Pathophysiology by Blocking Microtubule Dynamics and Cell-Cycle Progression

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes induction of several tumors/cancer stem cell (CSC) markers and is known to be a major risk factor for development of HCC. Therefore, drugs that simultaneously target viral replication and CSC properties are needed for a risk-free treatment of advanced stage liver diseases, including HCC. Here, we demonstrated that (Z)-3,5,4'-trimethoxystilbene (Z-TMS) exhibits potent antitumor and anti-HCV activities without exhibiting cytotoxicity to human hepatocytes in vitro or in mice livers. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN)/carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) extensively induced expression of DCLK1 (a CSC marker) in the livers of C57BL/6 mice following hepatic injury. Z-TMS exhibited hepatoprotective effects against DEN/CCl4-induced injury by reducing DCLK1 expression and improving histologic outcomes. The drug caused bundling of DCLK1 with microtubules and blocked cell-cycle progression at G2-M phase in hepatoma cells via downregulation of CDK1, induction of p21(cip1/waf1) expression, and inhibition of Akt (Ser(473)) phosphorylation. Z-TMS also inhibited proliferation of erlotinib-resistant lung adenocarcinoma cells (H1975) bearing the T790M EGFR mutation, most likely by promoting autophagy and nuclear fragmentation. In conclusion, Z-TMS appears to be a unique therapeutic agent targeting HCV and concurrently eliminating cells with neoplastic potential during chronic liver diseases, including HCC. It may also be a valuable drug for targeting drug-resistant carcinomas and cancers of the lungs, pancreas, colon, and intestine, in which DCLK1 is involved in tumorigenesis. Cancer Res; 76(16); 4887-96. ©2016 AACR.

Novel chemical library screen identifies naturally occurring plant products that specifically disrupt glioblastoma-endothelial cell interactions

Tumor growth is not solely a consequence of autonomous tumor cell properties. Rather, tumor cells act upon and are acted upon by their microenvironment. It is tumor tissue biology that ultimately determines tumor growth. Thus, we developed a compound library screen for agents that could block essential tumor-promoting effects of the glioblastoma (GBM) perivascular stem cell niche (PVN). We modeled the PVN with three-dimensional primary cultures of human brain microvascular endothelial cells in Matrigel. We previously demonstrated stimulated growth of GBM cells in this PVN model and used this to assay PVN function. We screened the Microsource Spectrum Collection library for drugs that specifically blocked PVN function, without any direct effect on GBM cells themselves. Three candidate PVN-disrupting agents, Iridin, Tigogenin and Triacetylresveratrol (TAR), were identified and evaluated in secondary in vitro screens against a panel of primary GBM isolates as well as in two different in vivo intracranial models. Iridin and TAR significantly inhibited intracranial tumor growth and prolonged survival in these mouse models. Together these data identify Iridin and TAR as drugs with novel GBM tissue disrupting effects and validate the importance of preclinical screens designed to address tumor tissue function rather than the mechanisms of autonomous tumor cell growth.

Lipid-modifying effects of nutraceuticals: An evidence-based approach

The present review provides an up-to-date summary of the findings on the lipid-lowering effects of the most important nutraceuticals and functional foods. Based on current knowledge, nutraceuticals might exert significant lipid-lowering, and their use has several advantages: A number of important questions remain to be addressed, including whether longer durations of therapy would result in a better response and the exact safety profile of nutraceuticals, especially at doses higher than those consumed in an average diet. Additionally, data regarding the effects of nutraceutical supplementation on the incidence of cardiovascular outcomes are lacking, and it is not clear whether additional lipid lowering by nutraceuticals can modify the residual cardiovascular risk that remains after statin therapy.

Resveratrol delays polycystic kidney disease progression through attenuation of nuclear factor κB-induced inflammation

BACKGROUND

Inflammation plays an important role in polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The current study aimed to examine the efficacy of the anti-inflammatory compound resveratrol in PKD and to investigate its underlying mechanism of action.

METHODS

Male Han:SPRD (Cy/+) rats with PKD were treated with 200 mg/kg/day resveratrol or vehicle by gavage for 5 weeks. Human autosomal dominant (AD) PKD cells, three-dimensional (3D) Madin-Darby canine kidney cells and zebrafish were treated with various concentrations of resveratrol or the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) inhibitor QNZ.

RESULTS

Resveratrol treatment reduced blood urea nitrogen levels and creatinine levels by 20 and 24%, respectively, and decreased two-kidney/total body weight ratio by 15% and cyst volume density by 24% in Cy/+ rats. The proliferation index and the macrophage infiltration index were reduced by 40 and 43%, respectively, in resveratrol-treated cystic kidneys. Resveratrol reduced the levels of the pro-inflammatory factors monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and complement factor B (CFB) in Cy/+ rat kidneys in parallel with the decreased activity of NF-κB (p50/p65). The activation of NF-κB and its correlation with pro-inflammatory factor expression were confirmed in human ADPKD cells and kidney tissues. Resveratrol and QNZ inhibited the expression of MCP-1, TNF-α and CFB and reduced NF-κB activity in ADPKD cells. Moreover, NF-κB blockage minimized the inhibition of inflammatory factor production by resveratrol treatment. Furthermore, resveratrol or QNZ inhibited cyst formation in the 3D cyst and zebrafish models.

CONCLUSIONS

The NF-κB signaling pathway is activated and partly responsible for inflammation in polycystic kidney tissues. Targeting inflammation through resveratrol could be a new strategy for PKD treatment in the future.

Resveratrol suppresses myofibroblast activity of human buccal mucosal fibroblasts through the epigenetic inhibition of ZEB1 expression

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a precancerous condition of the oral mucosa without specific therapeutic drugs. We previously demonstrated that the zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) plays a pathogenic role in the induction of the myofibroblast activity of buccal mucosal fibroblasts (BMFs) and contributes to the pathogenesis of OSF. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic flavonoid with anti-fibrosis activity in various tissues and has the capability to inhibit ZEB1 in oral cancer cells. We examined the effect of resveratrol on the myofibroblast activity of human primary fibrotic BMFs (fBMFs) derived from OSF tissues. With the collagen contraction assay, resveratrol displayed anti-myofibroblast activity in three fBMF lines. Resveratrol also inhibited the expression of fibrogenic genes at the mRNA and protein levels in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The downregulation of ZEB1 in fBMFs by resveratrol was mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, such as the upregulated expression of miR-200c and the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), as well as the trimethylated lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3). Resveratrol also increased the binding of H3K27me3 to the ZEB1 promoter. The knockdown of EZH2 in fBMFs caused the upregulation of ZEB1 and suppressed the inhibitory effect of resveratrol. Furthermore, the reversed expression pattern between EZH2 and ZEB1 was observed in 6/8 OSF tissues with twofold upregulation of ZEB1 expression compared with the adjacent normal mucosa. In conclusion, our data suggest that resveratrol epigenetically inhibits ZEB1 expression to suppress the myofibroblast activity of fBMFs and may serve as a dietary supplement for OSF patients.

Resveratrol for breast cancer prevention and therapy: Preclinical evidence and molecular mechanisms

Globally, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women. The major unresolved problems with metastatic breast cancer is recurrence after receiving objective response to chemotherapy, drug-induced side effects of first line chemotherapy and delayed response to second line of treatment. Unfortunately, very few options are available as third line treatment. It is clear that under such circumstances there is an urgent need for new and effective drugs. Phytochemicals are among the most promising chemopreventive treatment options for the management of cancer. Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), a non-flavonoid polyphenol present in several dietary sources, including grapes, berries, soy beans, pomegranate and peanuts, has been shown to possess a wide range of health benefits through its effect on a plethora of molecular targets.The present review encompasses the role of resveratrol and its natural/synthetic analogue in the light of their efficacy against tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, epigenetic alterations and for induction of apoptosis as well as sensitization toward chemotherapeutic drugs in various in vitro and in vivo models of breast cancer. The roles of resveratrol as a phytoestrogen, an aromatase inhibitor and in stem cell therapy as well as adjuvent treatment are also discussed. This review explores the full potential of resveratrol in breast cancer prevention and treatment with current limitations, challenges and future directions of research.

Resveratrol inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition of retinal pigment epithelium and development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a serious complication of retinal detachment and ocular trauma, and its recurrence may lead to irreversible vision loss. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is a critical step in the pathogenesis of PVR, which is characterized by fibrotic membrane formation and traction retinal detachment. In this study, we investigated the potential impact of resveratrol (RESV) on EMT and the fibrotic process in cultured RPE cells and further examined the preventive effect of RESV on PVR development using a rabbit model of PVR. We found that RESV induces mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) and inhibits transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2)-induced EMT of RPE cells by deacetylating SMAD4. The effect of RESV on MET was dependent on sirtuin1 activation. RESV suppressed proliferation, migration and fibronectin synthesis induced by platelet-derived growth factor-BB or TGF-β2. In vivo, RESV inhibited the progression of experimental PVR in rabbit eyes. Histological findings showed that RESV reduced fibrotic membrane formation and decreased α-SMA expression in the epiretinal membranes. These results suggest the potential use of RESV as a therapeutic agent to prevent the development of PVR by targeting EMT of RPE.

Resveratrol sensitizes glioblastoma-initiating cells to temozolomide by inducing cell apoptosis and promoting differentiation

Glioblastoma-initiating cells play crucial roles in the origin, growth, and recurrence of glioblastoma multiforme. The elimination of glioblastoma-initiating cells is believed to be a key strategy for achieving long-term survival of glioblastoma patients due to the highly resistant property of glioblastoma-initiating cells to temozolomide. Resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenol, has been widely studied as a promising candidate for cancer prevention and treatment. Whether resveratrol could enhance the sensitivity of glioblastoma-initiating cells to temozolomide therapy has not yet been reported. Here, using patient-derived glioblastoma-initiating cell lines, we found that resveratrol sensitized glioblastoma-initiating cells to temozolomide both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we showed that resveratrol enhanced glioblastoma-initiating cells to temozolomide-induced apoptosis through DNA double-stranded breaks/pATM/pATR/p53 pathway activation, and promoted glioblastoma-initiating cell differentiation involving p-STAT3 inactivation. Our results propose that temozolomide and resveratrol combination strategy may be effective in the management of glioblastoma patients, particularly for those patients who have been present with a high abundance of glioblastoma-initiating cells in their tumors and show slight responsiveness to temozolomide.

Oily fish, coffee and walnuts: Dietary treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are increasing worldwide in tandem with the metabolic syndrome, with the progressive form of disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) likely to become the most common cause of end stage liver disease in the not too distant future. Lifestyle modification and weight loss remain the main focus of management in NAFLD and NASH, however, there has been growing interest in the benefit of specific foods and dietary components on disease progression, with some foods showing protective properties. This article provides an overview of the foods that show the most promise and their potential benefits in NAFLD/NASH, specifically; oily fish/ fish oil, coffee, nuts, tea, red wine, avocado and olive oil. Furthermore, it summarises results from animal and human trials and highlights potential areas for future research.

Resveratrol ameliorates renal damage, increases expression of heme oxygenase-1, and has anti-complement, anti-oxidative, and anti-apoptotic effects in a murine model of membranous nephropathy

Background

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (MN) is an autoimmune-mediated glomerulonephritis and a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. There are limited available treatments for MN. We assessed the efficacy of resveratrol (RSV) therapy for treatment of MN in a murine model of this disease.

Methods

Murine MN was experimentally induced by daily subcutaneous administration of cationic bovine serum albumin, with phosphate-buffered saline used in control mice. MN mice were untreated or given RSV. Disease severity and pathogenesis was assessed by determination of metabolic and histopathology profiles, lymphocyte subsets, immunoglobulin production, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and production of heme oxygenase-1 (HO1).

Results

MN mice given RSV had significantly reduced proteinuria and a marked amelioration of glomerular lesions. RSV also significantly attenuated immunofluorescent staining of C3, although there were no changes of serum immunoglobulin levels or immunocomplex deposition in the kidneys. RSV treatment of MN mice also reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced cell apoptosis, and upregulated heme oxygenase 1 (HO1). Inhibition of HO1 with tin protoporphyrin IX partially reversed the renoprotective effects of RSV. The HO1 induced by RSV maybe via Nrf2 signaling.

Conclusion

Our results show that RSV increased the expression of HO1 and ameliorated the effects of membranous nephropathy in a mouse model due to its anti-complement, anti-oxidative, and anti-apoptotic effects. RSV appears to have potential as a treatment for MN.

Resveratrol Induced Premature Senescence Is Associated with DNA Damage Mediated SIRT1 and SIRT2 Down-Regulation

The natural polyphenolic compound resveratrol (3,4,5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) has broad spectrum health beneficial activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-cancer, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Remarkably, resveratrol also induces apoptosis and cellular senescence in primary and cancer cells. Resveratrol's anti-aging effects both in vitro and in vivo attributed to activation of a (NAD)-dependent histone deacetylase family member sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) protein. In mammals seven members (SIRT1-7) of sirtuin family have been identified. Among those, SIRT1 is the most extensively studied with perceptive effects on mammalian physiology and suppression of the diseases of aging. Yet no data has specified the role of sirtuins, under conditions where resveratrol treatment induces senescence. Current study was undertaken to investigate the effects of resveratrol in human primary dermal fibroblasts (BJ) and to clarify the role of sirtuin family members in particular SIRT1 and SIRT2 that are known to be involved in cellular stress responses and cell cycle, respectively. Here, we show that resveratrol decreases proliferation of BJ cells in a time and dose dependent manner. In addition the increase in senescence associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity and methylated H3K9-me indicate the induction of premature senescence. A significant increase in phosphorylation of γ-H2AX, a surrogate of DNA double strand breaks, as well as in levels of p53, p21CIP1 and p16INK4A is also detected. Interestingly, at concentrations where resveratrol induced premature senescence we show a significant decrease in SIRT1 and SIRT2 levels by Western Blot and quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Conversely inhibition of SIRT1 and SIRT2 via siRNA or sirtinol treatment also induced senescence in BJ fibroblasts associated with increased SA-β-gal activity, γ-H2AX phosphorylation and p53, p21CIP1 and p16INK4A levels. Interestingly DNA damaging agent doxorubicin also induced senescence in BJ fibroblasts associated with decreased SIRT1/2 levels. In conclusion our data reveal that resveratrol induced premature senescence is associated with SIRT1 and SIRT2 down regulation in human dermal fibroblasts. Here we suggest that the concomitant decline in SIRT1/2 expression in response to resveratrol treatment may be a cause for induction of senescence, which is most likely mediated by a regulatory mechanism activated by DNA damage response.

Mechanism of autophagic regulation in carcinogenesis and cancer therapeutics

Autophagy in cancer is an intensely debated concept in the field of translational research. The dual nature of autophagy implies that it can potentially modulate the pro-survival and pro-death mechanisms in tumor initiation and progression. There is a prospective molecular relationship between defective autophagy and tumorigenesis that involves the accumulation of damaged mitochondria and protein aggregates, which leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ultimately causes DNA damage that can lead to genomic instability. Moreover, autophagy regulates necrosis and is followed by inflammation, which limits tumor metastasis. On the other hand, autophagy provides a survival advantage to detached, dormant metastatic cells through nutrient fueling by tumor-associated stromal cells. Manipulating autophagy for induction of cell death, inhibition of protective autophagy at tissue-and context-dependent for apoptosis modulation has therapeutic implications. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the present state of knowledge regarding autophagy as a new approach to treat cancer.

Augmentation of Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide Production with Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors as a Novel Epigenetic Therapy for Bacterial Infections

The emergence of antibiotic resistance seriously threatens our ability to treat many common and medically important bacterial infections. Novel therapeutics are needed that can be used alone or in conjunction with antibiotics. Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) are important effectors of the host innate defense that exhibit broad-spectrum activity against a wide range of microorganisms. CAMPs are carried within phagocytic granules and are constitutively or inducibly expressed by multiple cell types, including epithelial cells. The role of histone modification enzymes, specifically the histone deacetylases (HDAC), in down-regulating the transcription of CAMP-encoding genes is increasingly appreciated as is the capacity of HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) to block the action of HDACs to increase CAMP expression. The use of synthetic and natural HDACi molecules to increase CAMPs on mucosal surfaces, therefore, has potential therapeutic applications. Here, we review host and pathogen regulation of CAMP expression through the induction of HDACs and assess the therapeutic potential of natural and synthetic HDACi based on evidence from tissue culture systems, animal models, and clinical trials.

Molecular targets of naturopathy in cancer research: bridge to modern medicine

The relevance of naturopathy (defined as the practice of medicine for the treatment of human diseases with natural agents) in human cancer is beginning to be appreciated, as documented by renewed interest in nutraceutical research, the natural anticancer agents of dietary origin. Because of their pleiotropic effects and the ability to modulate multiple signaling pathways, which is a good attribute of natural agents, nutraceuticals have frequently been demonstrated to re-sensitize drug-resistant cancers. The effectiveness of nutraceuticals can be further enhanced if the tools for the relative assessment of their molecular targets are readily available. Such information can be critical for determining their most effective uses. Here, we discuss the anticancer potential of nutraceuticals and the associated challenges that have interfered with their translational potential as a naturopathic approach for the management of cancers. In the years to come, an efficient screening and assessment of molecular targets will be the key to make rapid progress in the area of drug design and discovery, especially focusing on evidence-based development of naturopathy for the treatment of human malignancies.

FeCl3-promoted and ultrasound-assisted synthesis of resveratrol O-derived glycoside analogs

Phenol derived O-glycosides were synthesized using a direct and convenient O-glycosidation, starting from acetylated sugars in the presence of FeCl3, an inexpensive, mild and benign Lewis acid catalyst. The reactions were carried out under both conventional and ultrasonic irradiation conditions. In general, improvement in rates and yields were observed when reactions were carried out under sonication compared with conventional conditions leading to the corresponding β-O-glycosides as the major anomer. Post-synthetic transformations of iodophenol intermediates led to new resveratrol O-glycoside analogs in good overall yields.

Resveratrol attenuates inflammation in the rat heart subjected to ischemia-reperfusion: Role of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

It has been previously reported that Toll‑like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF‑κB signaling mediates early inflammation during myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. It has additionally been suggested that resveratrol produces cardioprotective and anti‑inflammatory effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether resveratrol could modulate TLR4/NF‑κB signaling, reduce neutrophil accumulation and TNF‑α induction in an ischemia/reperfusion injured rat heart model. Rats were randomly exposed to a sham operation, myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (MI/R), MI/R + resveratrol or MI/R + resveratrol + L‑NAME. The data showed that following MI/R, the expression of myocardial TLR4 and NF‑κB increased significantly in the area of induced ischemia. As compared with MI/R, resveratrol significantly attenuated the expression of TLR4 and NF‑κB and reduced the levels of myeloperoxidase, serum and myocardial TNF‑α production, myocardial infarct size and myocardial apoptosis induced by MI/R. All the effects of resveratrol were abolished upon application of L‑NAME, a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor. These data provide evidence that resveratrol inhibits TLR4/NF‑κB signaling in the rat heart subjected to MI/R, and the anti‑inflammatory effect of resveratrol is associated with NO production.

Withaferin A Inhibits STAT3 and Induces Tumor Cell Death in Neuroblastoma and Multiple Myeloma

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an oncogenic transcription factor that has been implicated in many human cancers and has emerged as an ideal target for cancer therapy. Withaferin A (WFA) is a natural product with promising antiproliferative properties through its association with a number of molecular targets including STAT3. However, the effect of WFA in pediatric neuroblastoma (NB) and its interaction with STAT3 have not been reported. In this study, we found that WFA effectively induces dose-dependent cell death in high-risk and drug-resistant NB as well as multiple myeloma (MM) tumor cells, prevented interleukin-6 (IL-6)–mediated and persistently activated STAT3 phosphorylation at Y705, and blocked the transcriptional activity of STAT3. We further provide computational models that show that WFA binds STAT3 near the Y705 phospho-tyrosine residue of the STAT3 Src homology 2 (SH2) domain, suggesting that WFA prevents STAT3 dimer formation similar to BP-1-102, a well-established STAT3 inhibitor. Our findings propose that the antitumor activity of WFA is mediated at least in part through inhibition of STAT3 and provide a rationale for further drug development and clinical use in NB and MM.

Resveratrol and cancer: Challenges for clinical translation

Significant work has been done towards identifying the health-beneficial effects of the grape antioxidant resveratrol in a variety of bioassay- and disease- models, with much research being focused on its possible application to cancer management. Despite the large number of preclinical studies dealing with different aspects of the biological effects of resveratrol, its translation to clinics is far from reality due to a variety of challenges. In this review, we discuss the issues and questions associated with resveratrol becoming an effective in vivo anticancer drug, from basic metabolic issues to the problems faced by incomplete understanding of the mechanism(s) of action in the body. We also explore efforts taken by researchers, both public and private, to contend with some of these issues. By examining the published data and previous clinical trials, we have attempted to identify the problems and issues that hinder the clinical translation of resveratrol for cancer management. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Resveratrol: Challenges in translating pre-clinical findings to improved patient outcomes.

Green synthesis of bacterial gold nanoparticles conjugated to resveratrol as delivery vehicles

Bio-directed synthesis of metal nanoparticles is gaining importance in view of their biocompatibility, low toxicity and eco-friendly characteristics. The present study describes the application of resveratrol conjugated gold nanoparticles as effective delivery vehicles. The green chemistry approach was used for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles by using the culture supernatant of Delftia sp. strain KCM-006. The synthesized gold nanoparticles were mono-dispersed, spherical in shape with an average size of 11.3 nm. They were found to be photoluminescent and crystalline in nature with a zeta potential of -25 mV, indicating their high stability. Resveratrol, an anticancer drug, was conjugated to these gold nanoparticles (RSV-AuNP). The cell viability and immunocytochemistry analysis with human lung cancer cell line (A549) demonstrated that RSV-AuNPs were 65% more effective as drug when compared to resveratrol alone. In vitro observations on the drug release from these nanoparticles exhibited pH dependency; the release was significant (95%) under acidic conditions (pH 5.2) when compared to physiological conditions (pH 7.4).