Metabolic effects of resveratrol: addressing the controversies

Effects of resveratrol on the anthropometric indices and inflammatory markers: an umbrella meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The evidence for resveratrol's anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory qualities is accumulating, though meta-analyses have reported mixed results. The current umbrella meta-analysis aimed to assess the present evidence and provide an accurate estimate of the overall effects of resveratrol on the anthropometric indices and inflammatory markers.

METHOD

The Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched till March 2023. The meta-analysis was performed utilizing a random-effects model. Moreover, the overall strength and quality of the evidence were assessed using the GRADE tool.

RESULTS

The results from 19 meta-analyses investigating 81 unique randomized controlled trials with 4088 participants revealed that resveratrol supplementation reduced the body mass index (ES =  - 0.119, 95% CI (- 0.192, - 0.047), p = 0.001), waist circumference (ES =  - 0.405, 95% CI [- 0.664, - 0.147], p = 0.002), serum levels of C-reactive protein (ES =  - 0.390, 95% CI [- 0.474, - 0.306], p < 0.001), and tumor necrosis factor-α (ES =  - 0.455, 95% CI [- 0.592, - 0.318], p < 0.001) in comparison to the control group. The effects of resveratrol on body weight and Interleukin-6 levels of participants were not significant. However, resveratrol administration significantly decreased body weight in trials with intervention duration ≥ 12 weeks [ES =  - 0.160, 95% CI (- 0.268, - 0.052)] and supplement dosage ≥ 500 mg/day [ES =  - 0.130, 95% CI (- 0.238, - 0.022)].

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest the beneficial effects of resveratrol supplementation on reducing general and central obesity, as well as decreasing some inflammatory markers. Nevertheless, further high-quality research is required to prove these achievements and also evaluate resveratrol's effects on other inflammatory markers.

The Effects of Resveratrol and Apigenin on Jejunal Oxidative Injury in Ducks and on Immortalized Duck Intestinal Epithelial Cells Exposed to H2O2

Oxidative stress increases the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells and impairs intestinal epithelial cell renewal, which further promotes intestinal barrier dysfunction and even death. Extensive evidence supports that resveratrol and apigenin have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties. Here, we investigated the ability of these two compounds to alleviate diquat-induced jejunal oxidative stress and morphological injury, using the duck as a model, as well as the effects of apigenin on oxidative stress induced by H2O2 in immortalized duck intestinal epithelial cells (IDECs). Ducks were randomly assigned to the following four groups, with five replicates: a control (CON) group, a diquat-challenged (DIQ) group, a resveratrol (500 mg/kg) + diquat (RES) group, and an apigenin (500 mg/kg) + diquat (API) group. We found that serum catalase (CAT) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) markedly reduced in the RES and API groups as compared to the DIQ group (p < 0.05); moreover, serum S superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels increased significantly in the API group as compared to the DIQ group (p < 0.05). In jejunal mucosa, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the RES and API groups decreased more than that in the DIQ group (p < 0.05). In addition, the jejunal expression levels of the NRF2 and GCLM genes in the RES and API groups increased notably compared with those in the DIQ group (p < 0.05); meanwhile, CAT activity in the RES and API groups was markedly elevated compared with that in the CON group (p < 0.05). In IDECs, apigenin significantly restrained the H2O2-mediated increase in MDA content and decrease in CAT levels (p < 0.05). Furthermore, apigenin increased the protein expression of p-NRF2, NRF2, p-AKT, and p-P38; downregulated that of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9; and reduced the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in H2O2-treated IDECs (p < 0.05). In conclusion, resveratrol and apigenin can be used as natural feed additives to protect against jejunal oxidative stress in ducks.

Effects and safety of resveratrol supplementation in older adults: A comprehensive systematic review

Resveratrol (RSV) has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its potential benefits against chronic diseases. However, its effects and safety in older adults have not been comprehensively studied. This study aimed to determine the effects and safety of RSV supplementation in older adults. MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched for eligible studies. Studies were enrolled if they were randomized clinical trials and had incorporated RSV supplementation for older adults. Two independent authors conducted the literature search, and eligibility was determined according to the PICOS framework. Study details, intervention specifics, and relevant outcomes were collected during the data collection. The Cochrane RoB-2 tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias. This review included 10 studies. The combination of RSV and exercise improved exercise adaptation and muscle function in healthy older adults and physical performance and mobility measures in individuals with functional limitations. RSV showed potential neuroprotective effects in patients with Alzheimer's disease. In overweight individuals, RSV demonstrated a positive impact on cognitive function, but it increased some biomarkers of cardiovascular disease risk at high doses. In older adults with diabetes and those with peripheral artery disease (PAD), RSV was not more effective than placebo. No study reported significant adverse events following RSV treatment. RSV can improve various health parameters in age-related health conditions. However, the optimal dosage, long-term effects, and potential interactions with medications still need to be investigated through well-designed RCTs.

Resveratrol reverses Palmitic Acid-induced cow neutrophils apoptosis through shifting glucose metabolism into lipid metabolism via Cav-1/ CPT 1-mediated FAO enhancement

Elevated plasma nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) affect neutrophils function and longevity during the periparturient period in dairy cows. Previous research has shown that resveratrol (RSV) may protect cell viability from NEFA-induced damage by regulating energy metabolism. However, it is unclear whether RSV has a protective effect on palmitic acid (PA)-treated neutrophils. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular regulatory mechanism of the protective effect of RSV on neutrophils. The results showed that treatment with high concentrations of RSV (50 μM, 100 μM) maintained neutrophils activity by inhibiting neutrophils apoptosis (P < 0.05). Further analysis showed that high concentrations of RSV enhanced fatty acid oxidation (FAO) to produce ATP by promoting the expression of CAV1, ACSL-1 and CPT1 (P < 0. 05) while inhibiting glycolysis by suppressing PFK1 activity (P < 0. 05) and reducing glucose transport-related protein (GLUT1/GLUT4) expression by inhibiting glucose uptake (P < 0.05). These results suggest that RSV protects neutrophils from PA-induced apoptosis by regulating energy metabolism. Our results revealed that RSV protects neutrophils from PA-induced apoptosis by shifting glucose metabolism to lipid metabolism. This study tenders to a meaningful understanding of the effects of RSV on neutrophils function in periparturient cows suffering from negative energy balance (NEB).

High-throughput screening identifies cell cycle-associated signaling cascades that regulate a multienzyme glucosome assembly in human cells

We have previously demonstrated that human liver-type phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK1) recruits other rate-determining enzymes in glucose metabolism to organize multienzyme metabolic assemblies, termed glucosomes, in human cells. However, it has remained largely elusive how glucosomes are reversibly assembled and disassembled to functionally regulate glucose metabolism and thus contribute to human cell biology. We developed a high-content quantitative high-throughput screening (qHTS) assay to identify regulatory mechanisms that control PFK1-mediated glucosome assemblies from stably transfected HeLa Tet-On cells. Initial qHTS with a library of pharmacologically active compounds directed following efforts to kinase-inhibitor enriched collections. Consequently, three compounds that were known to inhibit cyclin-dependent kinase 2, ribosomal protein S6 kinase and Aurora kinase A, respectively, were identified and further validated under high-resolution fluorescence single-cell microscopy. Subsequent knockdown studies using small-hairpin RNAs further confirmed an active role of Aurora kinase A on the formation of PFK1 assemblies in HeLa cells. Importantly, all the identified protein kinases here have been investigated as key signaling nodes of one specific cascade that controls cell cycle progression in human cells. Collectively, our qHTS approaches unravel a cell cycle-associated signaling network that regulates the formation of PFK1-mediated glucosome assembly in human cells.

Synergistic Hypolipidemic Effects and Mechanisms of Phytochemicals: A Review

Hyperlipidemia, a chronic disorder of abnormal lipid metabolism, can induce obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Increasing evidence indicates that phytochemicals may serve as a promising strategy for the prevention and management of hyperlipidemia and its complications. At the same time, the concept of synergistic hypolipidemic and its application in the food industry is rapidly increasing as a practical approach to preserve and improve the health-promoting effects of functional ingredients. The current review focuses on the effects of single phytochemicals on hyperlipidemia and its mechanisms. Due to the complexity of the lipid metabolism regulatory network, the synergistic regulation of different metabolic pathways or targets may be more effective than single pathways or targets in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. This review summarizes for the first time the synergistic hypolipidemic effects of different combinations of phytochemicals such as combinations of the same category of phytochemicals and combinations of different categories of phytochemicals. In addition, based on the different metabolic pathways or targets involved in synergistic effects, the possible mechanisms of synergistic hypolipidemic effects of the phytochemical combination are illustrated in this review. Hence, this review provides clues to boost more phytochemical synergistic hypolipidemic research and provides a theoretical basis for the development of phytochemicals with synergistic effects on hyperlipidemia and its complications.

3,4′,5-Trimethoxy-trans-stilbene Alleviates Endothelial Dysfunction in Diabetic and Obese Mice via Activation of the AMPK/SIRT1/eNOS Pathway

3,4′,5-trimethoxy-trans-stilbene (TMS) is a methoxylated derivative of resveratrol. Previous studies showed the vaso-protective effects of resveratrol; nevertheless, research on this derivative is scarce. The current study aimed to explore whether TMS can alleviate endothelial dysfunction in diabetic and obese mice, along with the underlying mechanisms. Thoracic aortas isolated from male C57BL/6J mice and primary cultures of rat aortic endothelial cells were treated with high glucose with or without TMS. High glucose exposure impaired acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxations, down-regulated NO bioavailability and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) pathway, increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and oxidative stress, which were reversed by TMS treatment. Moreover, the protective effects of TMS were abolished by Compound C (AMPK inhibitor), and EX527 (SIRT1 inhibitor). The mice were fed with high-fat diet (60% kcal% fat) for 14 weeks to establish a diabetic and obese model, and were orally administered TMS (10 mg/kg/day) in the last 4 weeks. Chronic TMS treatment alleviated endothelial dysfunction via enhancing the AMPK/SIRT1/eNOS pathway and attenuated oxidative stress and ER stress in aortas of diet-induced obese mice. In summary, our study reveals the potent vaso-protective effect of TMS and its therapeutic potential against endothelial dysfunction in metabolic disorders.

Resveratrol in Treating Diabetes and Its Cardiovascular Complications: A Review of Its Mechanisms of Action

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide. High morbidity and mortality caused by DM are closely linked to its complications in multiple organs/tissues, including cardiovascular complications, diabetic nephropathy, and diabetic neuropathy. Resveratrol is a plant-derived polyphenolic compound with pleiotropic protective effects, ranging from antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to hypoglycemic effects. Recent studies strongly suggest that the consumption of resveratrol offers protection against diabetes and its cardiovascular complications. The protective effects of resveratrol involve the regulation of multiple signaling pathways, including inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation, enhancement of insulin sensitivity, induction of autophagy, regulation of lipid metabolism, promotion of GLUT4 expression, and translocation, and activation of SIRT1/AMPK signaling axis. The cardiovascular protective effects of resveratrol have been recently reviewed in the literature, but the role of resveratrol in preventing diabetes mellitus and its cardiovascular complications has not been systematically reviewed. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action of resveratrol based on in vitro and in vivo studies, highlighting the therapeutic potential of resveratrol in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its cardiovascular complications.

Protective Effects of Resveratrol and Apigenin Dietary Supplementation on Serum Antioxidative Parameters and mRNAs Expression in the Small Intestines of Diquat-Challenged Pullets

Poultry as a large-scale intensive farming is vulnerable to oxidative stress. Resveratrol and apigenin are recognized to have many beneficial bioactive functions. This study tested the hypothesis that dietary resveratrol and apigenin supplementation alleviates oxidative stress in the small intestine of diquat-challenged pullets. A total of 200 healthy pullets were randomly divided into four treatment groups: control group fed with a basal diet (CON), diquat group fed with a basal diet (DIQ), resveratrol group fed with a basal diet containing 500 mg/kg resveratrol (RES), and an apigenin group fed with a basal diet containing 500 mg/kg apigenin (API) and injected intraperitoneally with either 1 ml of saline (CON) or 8 mg/kg body weight of diquat (DIQ, RES, and API) to induce oxidative stress. The day of the injection was considered as day 0. The results indicated that resveratrol and apigenin were able to decrease the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and upregulate total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) levels in serum on day 1 and 10 after being diquat-challenged. In addition, resveratrol increased mRNA expression of NQO1 (NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1) and HO-1 (heme oxygenase-1) in ileum and jejunum on day 10, while apigenin upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), NQO1, and HO-1 in ileum and jejunum on day 10. Both resveratrol and apigenin increased the mRNA expression of CLAUDIN-1 in ileum and jejunum on day 1 and that of ZO-1 (zonula occludens-1) in ileum on day 10 post-diquat-injection. These findings indicate that dietary supplementation with resveratrol and apigenin attenuates oxidative stress involving NRF2 signaling pathways in diquat-challenged pullets to some extent. These observations are valuable for the chicken industry and resveratrol and apigenin applications in animal husbandry.

No effect of resveratrol on fatty acid oxidation or exercise capacity in patients with fatty acid oxidation disorders: A randomized clinical cross-over trial

The objective was to investigate whether resveratrol (RSV) can improve exercise capacity in patients with fatty acid oxidation (FAO) disorders. The study was a randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial. Nine patients with very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency or carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT) II deficiency were randomized to receive either 8 weeks of 1000 mg day^-1 RSV or placebo (P) followed by a 4-weeks wash-out period and subsequently 8 weeks of the opposite treatment. Primary outcome measures were heart rate and FAO as measured via stable isotope technique during constant workload exercise. Secondary outcome measures included fat and glucose metabolism; perceived exertion; as well as subjective measures of energy expenditure, fatigue, and daily function. Eight participants completed the trial. Heart rate did not differ at the end of exercise after treatment with RSV vs placebo (P = .063). Rate of oxidation of palmitate at end of exercise was not different with 1.5 ± 0.8 (RSV) vs 1.3 ± 0.6 (P) μmol kg^-1  min^-1 (P = .109). Secondary outcomes did not change except for increased plasma glycerol and decreased plasma glucose levels at the end of exercise after treatment with RSV vs placebo. A daily dose of 1000 mg resveratrol does not improve exercise capacity or FAO during exercise in patients with CPTII or VLCAD deficiencies.

PGC-1α affects skeletal muscle and adipose tissue development by regulating mitochondrial biogenesis

The discovery and interpretation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) protein in mitochondrial biogenesis, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue development has broad research prospects, so it is important to review the related studies of PGC-1α in detail and comprehensively. PGC-1α is a protein composed of 798 amino acids (aa) with a molecular weight of about 91 kDa. PGC-1α is involved in the operation of the respiratory chain by combining with deacetylase and phosphorylase to bind some nuclear receptors. In addition, PGC-1α affects skeletal muscle and adipose metabolism by regulating mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Recently, new data suggest that regulating mitochondrial metabolism in adipose tissue may be an effective adjunct to the treatment of obesity. In addition, dietary resveratrol, which has an effective anti-obesity effect, has been shown to promote mitochondrial biosynthesis by activating AMPK/PGC-1α axis, as well as to regenerate muscle damaged by obesity. In this review, we combined previous studies to explore the latest studies, showing that PGC-1α can regulate mitochondrial biogenesis and is regulated by AMPK and SIRT1. Furthermore, PGC-1α is a favored protein, which not only regulates muscle fiber type, inhibits muscle atrophy, but also participates in browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) and regulates body heat production. So, we concluded that PGC-1α is a key gene in mitochondrial biogenesis and plays an important role in the regulation and regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis along with other genes involved in the process. Meanwhile, PGC-1α acts as a core metabolic regulator in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. This review comprehensively summarizes a large number of research findings. First, the role of PGC-1α in mitochondrial biogenesis was clarified, and then the key role of PGC-1α in the development of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue was reevaluated. Furthermore, the role of PGC-1α in some human diseases was discussed. Finally, the role of PGC-1α as a major gene in poultry was pointed out, and the future research direction was proposed.

Obesity and Male Reproduction: Do Sirtuins Play a Role?

Obesity is a major current public health problem of global significance. A progressive sperm quality decline, and a decline in male fertility, have been reported in recent decades. Several studies have reported a strict relationship between obesity and male reproductive dysfunction. Among the many mechanisms by which obesity impairs male gonadal function, sirtuins (SIRTs) have an emerging role. SIRTs are highly conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylases that play a role in gene regulation, metabolism, aging, and cancer. SIRTs regulate the energy balance, the lipid balance, glucose metabolism, and adipogenesis, but current evidence also indicates a role for SIRTs in male reproduction. However, the majority of the studies have been conducted in animal models and very few have been conducted with humans. This review shows that SIRTs play an important role among the molecular mechanisms by which obesity interferes with male fertility. This highlights the need to deepen this relationship. It will be of particular interest to evaluate whether synthetic and/or natural compounds capable of modifying the activity of SIRTs may also be useful for the treatment of obesity and its effects on gonadal function. Although few studies have explored the role of SIRT activators in obesity-induced male infertility, some molecules, such as resveratrol, appear to be effective in modulating SIRT activity, as well as counteracting the negative effects of obesity on male fertility. The search for strategies to improve male reproductive function in overweight/obese patients is a challenge and understanding the role of SIRTs and their activators may open new interesting scenarios in the coming years.

Better neuroprotective profile of caffeic acid phenyl ester over resveratrol in non-traumatic ischemia-reperfusion injury of the spinal cord

BACKGROUND

Spinal cord ischemia has serious sequelae. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of resveratrol and caffeic acid phenyl ester (CAPE), a propolis derivative, on spinal cord injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion (IR).

METHODS

In our research, 30 male Wistar albino rats, 200-250 gr, were used. Before the experiment, during a week of the process, the rats were fed with these two agents, and the experimental group rats were exposed to spinal cord IR injury. At the end of the experiment, spinal cord samples were taken from the sacrificed rats. Bax, p53, nNOS, and Beclin-1 immunoreactivity moreover TUNEL (+) cells were evaluated with immunohistochemically in the IR-induced damaged rats.

RESULTS

It has been clearly determined that the TUNEL (+) apoptotic cell number and immunopositive cells of nNOS, Beclin-1, p53, Bax were raised in the IR group. However, these increments partially were restored in the resveratrol and CAPE-fed rats with IR-induced injury.

CONCLUSION

In light of our data, resveratrol, and CAPE could be beneficial in spinal cord IR injury. Although both agents provide beneficial effects, it can be said that CAPE is partially more effective in spinal cord injury caused by IR.

Epigenetic regulation of energy metabolism in obesity

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally. Although modern adoption of a sedentary lifestyle coupled with energy-dense nutrition is considered to be the main cause of obesity epidemic, genetic preposition contributes significantly to the imbalanced energy metabolism in obesity. However, the variants of genetic loci identified from large-scale genetic studies do not appear to fully explain the rapid increase in obesity epidemic in the last four to five decades. Recent advancements of next-generation sequencing technologies and studies of tissue-specific effects of epigenetic factors in metabolic organs have significantly advanced our understanding of epigenetic regulation of energy metabolism in obesity. The epigenome, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA-mediated processes, is characterized as mitotically or meiotically heritable changes in gene function without alteration of DNA sequence. Importantly, epigenetic modifications are reversible. Therefore, comprehensively understanding the landscape of epigenetic regulation of energy metabolism could unravel novel molecular targets for obesity treatment. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the roles of DNA methylation, histone modifications such as methylation and acetylation, and RNA-mediated processes in regulating energy metabolism. We also discuss the effects of lifestyle modifications and therapeutic agents on epigenetic regulation of energy metabolism in obesity.

Resveratrol (RV): A pharmacological review and call for further research

Resveratrol (RV) is a well-known polyphenolic compound in various plants, including grape, peanut, and berry fruits, which is quite famous for its association with several health benefits such as anti-obesity, cardioprotective neuroprotective, antitumor, antidiabetic, antioxidants, anti-age effects, and glucose metabolism. Significantly, promising therapeutic properties have been reported in various cancer, neurodegeneration, and atherosclerosis and are regulated by several synergistic pathways that control oxidative stress, cell death, and inflammation. Similarly, RV possesses a strong anti-adipogenic effect by inhibiting fat accumulation processes and activating oxidative and lipolytic pathways, exhibiting their cardioprotective effects by inhibiting platelet aggregation. The RV also shows significant antibacterial effects against various food-borne pathogens (Listeria, Campylobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli) by inhibiting an electron transport chain (ETC) and F0F1-ATPase, which decreases the production of cellular energy that leads to the spread of pathogens. After collecting and analyzing scientific literature, it may be concluded that RV is well tolerated and favorably affects cardiovascular, neurological, and diabetic disorders. As such, it is possible that RV can be considered the best nutritional additive and a complementary drug, especially a therapeutic candidate. Therefore, this review would increase knowledge about the blend of RV as well as inspire researchers around the world to consider RV as a pharmaceutical drug to combat future health crises against various inhumane diseases. In the future, this article will be aware of discoveries about the potential of this promising natural compound as the best nutraceuticals and therapeutic drugs in medicine.

Chronic liquid fructose supplementation does not cause liver tumorigenesis but elicits clear sex differences in the metabolic response in Sprague-Dawley rats

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has increased over the last decades and may evolve into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As HCC is challenging to treat, knowledge on the modifiable risk factors for NAFLD/HCC (e.g. hyper caloric diets rich in fructose) is essential.

Objective and design

We used a model of diethyl nitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis to investigate the liver cancer-promoting effects of a diet supplemented with 10% liquid fructose, administered to male and female rats for 11 months. A subset of the fructose-supplemented rats received resveratrol (RVT) in the last 4 months of treatment.

Results and discussion

Rat livers showed no de visu or histological evidence of liver tumorigenesis. However, we observed metabolic abnormalities that could be related to cancer development mainly in the female fructose-supplemented rats, such as increases in weight, adiposity and hepatic triglyceride levels, as well as hyperglycaemia, hyperuricemia, hyperleptinemia and a reduced insulin sensitivity index, which were partially reversed by RVT. Therefore, we performed a targeted analysis of 84 cancer-related genes in the female liver samples, which revealed expression changes associated with cancer-related pathways. Analysis of individual genes indicated that some changes increased the risk of hepatocarcinogenesis (Sfrp2, Ccl5, Socs3, and Gstp1), while others exerted a protective/preventive effect (Bcl2 and Cdh1).

Conclusion

Our data clearly demonstrate that chronic fructose supplementation, as the sole dietary intervention, does not cause HCC development in rats.

Immobilized Lipase Based on Hollow Mesoporous Silicon Spheres for Efficient Enzymatic Synthesis of Resveratrol Ester Derivatives

Enzymatic esterification of resveratrol is crucial for its potential application in lipophilic foods and drugs. However, the poor activity of the free enzyme hinders the reaction. In this work, the highly efficient enzymatic synthesis of resveratrol ester derivatives was achieved by immobilized lipase on hydrophobic modified hollow mesoporous silicon spheres (HMSS-C₈). We preliminarily explored the use of Candida sp. 99-125 lipase (CSL) for the acylation of resveratrol, with a regioselectivity toward 3-OH- over 4'-OH-acylation. HMSS-C₈ provided ideal accommodation for CSL with a loading capacity of up to 652 mg/g. The catalytic efficiency of CSL@HMSS-C₈ was 15 times higher than that of free CSL, and the conversion of resveratrol reached 98.7% within only 2 h, which is the fastest value recorded in the current literature. After 10 cycles, the conversion remained up to 86.3%. Benefiting from better lipid solubility, the relative oxidation stability index values of oil containing monoester derivatives were 43.1%-68.8% and 23.9%-33.2% higher than that of refined oil and oil containing resveratrol, respectively. This research provides a new pathway for efficient enzymatic synthesis of resveratrol ester derivatives and demonstrates the potential application of resveratrol monoester derivatives as a group of excellent lipid-soluble antioxidants.

Two methoxy derivatives of resveratrol, 3,3',4,5'-tetramethoxy-trans-stilbene and 3,4',5-trimethoxy-trans-stilbene, suppress lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation through inactivation of MAPK and NF-κB pathways in RAW 264.7 cells

Background

3,3′,4,5′-tetramethoxy-trans-stilbene (3,3′,4,5′-TMS) and 3,4′,5-trimethoxy-trans-stilbene (3,4′,5-TMS) are two methoxy derivatives of resveratrol. Previous researches have proved that resveratrol and its analogues have anti-inflammatory effect through suppressing mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. This study aims to study whether 3,3′,4,5′-TMS and 3,4′,5-TMS alleviate inflammation and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation and pretreated with 3,3′,4,5′-TMS or 3,4′,5-TMS. Cell viability was measured with the 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Nitric oxide (NO) release was detected by Griess reagent. The secretions of pro-inflammatory cytokines were assessed by ELISA kits. Protein expressions of signaling molecules were determined by Western blotting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was detected by fluorescence staining and malondialdehyde (MDA) assay.

Results

3,3′,4,5′-TMS and 3,4′,5-TMS suppressed LPS-induced NO release and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) secretions in a dose-dependent manner in RAW 264.7 cells. 3,3′,4,5′-TMS and 3,4′,5-TMS significantly down-regulated the LPS-induced expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and partially suppressed the activation of MAPK (phosphorylation of p38, JNK, ERK), and NF-κB (phosphorylation of IKKα/β, p65 and IκBα) signaling pathways; where phosphorylation of ERK and p65 was mildly but not significantly decreased by 3,3′,4,5′-TMS. LPS-induced NF-κB/p65 nuclear translocation was inhibited by both 3,3′,4,5′-TMS and 3,4′,5-TMS. Moreover, both resveratrol derivatives decreased the ROS levels.

Conclusions

3,3′,4,5′-TMS and 3,4′,5-TMS significantly suppress LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells through inhibition of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways and also provide anti-oxidative effect. This study reveals potential therapeutic applications of 3,3′,4,5′-TMS and 3,4′,5-TMS for inflammatory diseases.

Resveratrol supplementation at old age reverts changes associated with aging in inflammatory, oxidative and apoptotic markers in rat heart

PURPOSE

Aging is known to play a critical role in the etiopathogenesis of several diseases. Among them, cardiovascular disorders are especially relevant since they are becoming the first cause of death in western countries. Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound that has been shown to exert beneficial effects at different levels, including neuronal and cardiovascular protection. Those effects of resveratrol are related, at least in part, to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the current investigation we were interested in exploring whether the positive effects of resveratrol at cardiac level were taking place even when the supplementation started in already old animals.

METHODS

Old male rats were supplemented with resveratrol during 10 weeks. Using RT-PCR, we analyzed the effects of resveratrol supplementation on the expression of different genes related to inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis in rat heart.

RESULTS

Resveratrol reverted age-related changes in inflammatory, oxidative and apoptotic markers in the rat heart. Among others, the expression of two major inflammatory markers, INF-γ and TNF-α and two oxidative markers, heme oxygenase-1 and nitric oxide synthase, were increased with aging, and resveratrol supplementation reduced the level of some of these to those observed in the heart of young animals. Moreover, age-related changes in apoptotic markers in rat heart tend to be also reverted by resveratrol treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that resveratrol might exert beneficial effects as an anti-aging compound to revert age-related changes in cardiac function.

Highlighting the protective or degenerative role of AMPK activators in dementia experimental models

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a serine/threonine kinase and a driving or deterrent factor in the development of neurodegenerative diseases and dementia. AMPK affects intracellular proteins like the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-α (among others) contributes to a wide range of intracellular activities based on its downstream molecules such as energy balancing (ATP synthesis), extracellular inflammation, cell growth, and neuronal cell death (such as apoptosis, necrosis, and necroptosis). Several studies have looked at the dual role of AMPK in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Huntington disease (HD) but the exact effect of this enzyme on dementia, stroke, and motor neuron dysfunction disorders has not been elucidated yet. In this article, we review current research on the effects of AMPK on the brain to give an overview of the relationship. More specifically, we review the neuroprotective or neurodegenerative effects of AMPK or AMPK activators like metformin, resveratrol, and 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside on neurological diseases and dementia, which exert through the intracellular molecules involved in neuronal survival or death.

The Role of Resveratrol in Human Male Fertility

Resveratrol (RSV) (3,4′,5 trihydroxystilbene) is a natural non-flavonoid polyphenol widely present in the Mediterranean diet. In particular, RSV is found in grapes, peanuts, berries, and red wine. Many beneficial effects of this molecule on human health have been reported. In fact, it improves some clinical aspects of various diseases, such as obesity, tumors, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes mellitus. However, little is known about the relationship between this compound and male fertility and the few available results are often controversial. Therefore, this review evaluated the effects of RSV on human male fertility and the mechanisms through which this polyphenol could act on human spermatozoa.

The Role of Resveratrol Administration in Human Obesity

Obesity is a widespread disease that is associated with numerous and serious comorbidities. These include metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular-cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, cancer, and sexual and hormonal disorders. The treatment of obesity has therefore become a goal of great clinical and social relevance. Among the therapeutic strategies against obesity, resveratrol has aroused great interest. This polyphenol has anticancer and antioxidant properties and cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Other favorable effects attributed to resveratrol are anti-lipid, anti-aging, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and neuroprotective actions. Administration of resveratrol appears to improve the metabolic profile in obese and/or insulin-resistant patients. This article aims to review the main results of clinical studies evaluating the effects of administering resveratrol alone in overweight/obese patients.

Resveratrol suppresses the reprogramming of macrophages into an endotoxin-tolerant state through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase

Resveratrol has been reported to have beneficial effects on sepsis by regulating the inflammatory response. However, it remains unclear if resveratrol plays a role in the development of endotoxin tolerance. Treatment with resveratrol in macrophages stimulated with primary lipopolysaccharide (LPS) resulted in the increased production of TNF-α and IL-6 induced by a 2^nd dose of LPS (by 74.5 ± 12.9% and 63.4 ± 12%, respectively, compared to untreated cells, P < 0.05). This effect was inhibited by compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, and STO609, a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-kinase (CaMKK) inhibitor. Resveratrol diminished the expression of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase M (IRAK-M) and Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing inositol-5-phosphatase 1 (SHIP1) by prolonging the exposure of cells to LPS (by 60.8 ± 16.3% and 70.3 ± 18.1%, respectively, compared to LPS only). The effect of resveratrol on the LPS-induced expression of IRAK-M and SHIP1 was inhibited by compound C or STO609. After a 2^nd dose of LPS, resveratrol increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK in endotoxin tolerant macrophages. In vivo systemic administration of resveratrol prevented a significant increase in mortality rate by cecal ligation and puncture in LPS-induced endotoxin-tolerant mice. These results indicate that resveratrol induces AMPK activation through the Ca²⁺/CaMKKβ pathway and suppresses the development of endotoxin tolerance by inhibiting LPS-induced expression of IRAK-M and SHIP1.

Perspectives and controversies regarding the use of natural products for the treatment of lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related mortality both in men and women and accounts for 18.4% of all cancer‐related deaths. Although advanced therapy methods have been developed, the prognosis of lung cancer patients remains extremely poor. Over the past few decades, clinicians and researchers have found that chemical compounds extracted from natural products may be useful for treating lung cancer. Drug formulations derived from natural compounds, such as paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and camptothecin, have been successfully used as chemotherapeutics for lung cancer. In recent years, hundreds of new natural compounds that can be used to treat lung cancer have been found through basic and sub‐clinical research. However, there has not been a corresponding increase in the number of drugs that have been used in a clinical setting. The probable reasons may include low solubility, limited absorption, unfavorable metabolism, and severe side effects. In this review, we present a summary of the natural compounds that have been proven to be effective for the treatment of lung cancer, as well as an understanding of the mechanisms underlying their pharmacological effects. We have also highlighted current controversies and have attempted to provide solutions for the clinical translation of these compounds.

Quercetin enhances motility in aged and heat-stressed Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes by modulating both HSF-1 activity, and insulin-like and p38-MAPK signalling

Quercetin is a yellow pigment that is found in many common dietary plants, and that protects against oxidative stress, inflammation, and arteriosclerosis. It has also been suggested to prolong the lifespan of, and enhance heat-stress tolerance in nematodes; thus, the present study investigated its effects on both the nematode life- and health span by assessing its capacity to promote nematode motility after aging and/or heat stress, as well as the mechanisms underlying these effects. The results of the conducted analyses showed that quercetin feeding prolonged lifespan, suppressed age-related motility retardation, improved motility recovery after heat stress, and decreased the production of both intercellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in the analysed Caenorhabditis elegans strains, likely by modulating the insulin-like signalling (ILS) pathway and p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. In particular, the transcription factors DAF-16 and SKN-1 were found to mediate the observed quercetin-induced effects, consistent with their previously demonstrated roles as regulators of aging. Furthermore, we demonstrated, for the first time, that quercetin induced heat-stress tolerance in C. elegans by modulating HSF-1 expression and/or activity. Thus, the present study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms by which quercetin inhibit aging and enhance heat-stress tolerance via ILS and MAPK pathway in C. elegans.

Resveratrol targeting tau proteins, amyloid-beta aggregations, and their adverse effects: An updated review

Resveratrol (Res) is a non-flavonoid compound with pharmacological actions such as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, hepatoprotective, antidiabetes, and antitumor. This plant-derived chemical has a long history usage in treatment of diseases. The excellent therapeutic impacts of Res and its capability in penetration into blood-brain barrier have made it an appropriate candidate in the treatment of neurological disorders (NDs). Tau protein aggregations and amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposits are responsible for the induction of NDs. A variety of studies have elucidated the role of these aggregations in NDs and the underlying molecular pathways in their development. In the present review, based on the recently published articles, we describe that how Res administration could inhibit amyloidogenic pathway and stimulate processes such as autophagy to degrade Aβ aggregations. Besides, we demonstrate that Res supplementation is beneficial in dephosphorylation of tau proteins and suppressing their aggregations. Then, we discuss molecular pathways and relate them to the treatment of NDs.

Resveratrol Attenuates High Glucose-Induced Vascular Endothelial Cell Injury by Activating the E2F3 Pathway

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common metabolic disease. High glucose-induced macrovascular disease and microangiopathy are major complications of diabetes. E2F3, a member of the E2F transcription factor family, is closely related to cardiovascular diseases. Resveratrol, a nonflavonoid polyphenolic compound widely found in plants, has been shown to have cardiovascular protection. However, there are few studies on whether resveratrol can effectively treat diabetic angiopathy, and the specific mechanism involved needs further study. This study investigated whether E2F3 transcription factors are involved in the process of vascular endothelial injury induced by high glucose and observed its effects on the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells. Then, it analyzed whether resveratrol can inhibit high glucose-induced vascular endothelial cell injury by regulating the E2F3 pathway. We demonstrated that the expression level of the E2F3 transcription factor was significantly inhibited in high glucose state. Resveratrol inhibited high glucose-induced vascular endothelial cell injury by upregulating the E2F3 pathway. High glucose can induce vascular endothelial injury by inhibiting E2F3 gene expression, while resveratrol can inhibit high glucose-induced vascular endothelial injury by activating the E2F3 pathway.

Resveratrol in Cancer Patients: From Bench to Bedside

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) is a natural phytoalexin that accumulates in several vegetables and fruits like nuts, grapes, apples, red fruits, black olives, capers, red rice as well as red wines. Being both an extremely reactive molecule and capable to interact with cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins in human cells, resveratrol has been studied over the years as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the therapy of cancer, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases like myocardial ischemia, myocarditis, cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. This review will describe the main biological targets, cardiovascular outcomes, physico-chemical and pharmacokinetic properties of resveratrol in preclinical and clinical models implementing its potential use in cancer patients.

Resveratrol and its Related Polyphenols Contribute to the Maintenance of Genome Stability

Genomic destabilisation is associated with the induction of mutations, including those in cancer-driver genes, and subsequent clonal evolution of cells with abrogated defence systems. Such mutations are not induced when genome stability is maintained; however, the mechanisms involved in genome stability maintenance remain elusive. Here, resveratrol (and related polyphenols) is shown to enhance genome stability in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, ultimately protecting the cells against the induction of mutations in the ARF/p53 pathway. Replication stress-associated DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) that accumulated with genomic destabilisation were effectively reduced by resveratrol treatment. In addition, resveratrol transiently stabilised the expression of histone H2AX, which is involved in DSB repair. Similar effects on the maintenance of genome stability were observed for related polyphenols. Accordingly, we propose that polyphenol consumption can contribute to the suppression of cancers that develop with genomic instability, as well as lifespan extension.

Resveratrol and Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: Focusing on the Protective Signaling Mechanisms

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common cardiovascular complication of diabetic mellitus that is characterized by diastolic disorder in the early stage and clinical heart failure in the later stage. Presently, DCM is considered one of the major causes of death in diabetic patients. Resveratrol (RSV), a naturally occurring stilbene, is widely reported as a cardioprotective substance in many heart diseases. Thus far, the specific roles of RSV in DCM prevention and treatment have attracted great attention. Here, we discuss the roles of RSV in DCM by focusing its downstream targets from both in vivo and in vitro studies. Among such targets, Sirtuins 1/3 and AMP-activated kinase have been identified as key mediators that induce cardioprotection during hyperglycemia. In addition, many other signaling molecules (e.g., forkhead box-O3a and extracellular regulated protein kinases) are also regulated in the presence of RSV and exert beneficial effects such as opposing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes exposed to high-glucose conditions. The beneficial potential of an RSV/stem cell cotherapy is also reviewed as a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing the development of DCM.

Resveratrol alleviates heat stress-induced impairment of intestinal morphology, barrier integrity and inflammation in yellow-feather broilers

Context Heat stress is one of the problems commonly found in broiler industry in tropic and subtropic regions that results in impairment of intestinal integrity, leading to inflammation and poor performance. Aims This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary resveratrol supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology and barrier integrity, and inflammation response of yellow-feather broilers under heat stress. Methods In total, 288 birds (28-day-old) were randomly allotted to three treatment groups, with six replicates. A thermo-neutral group (24 ± 2°C) received a basal diet and two heat-stressed groups (37 ± 2°C for 8 h/day and 24 ± 2°C for the remaining time) were fed the basal diet (HT) or basal diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg resveratrol for 14 consecutive days. Key results Compared with the thermo-neutral group, birds in the HT group had a decreased (P &lt; 0.05) average daily feed intake, average daily gain, villus height, villus height to crypt depth ratio, mRNA concentrations of mucin-2, secreted immunoglobulin A (sIgA), claudin-1,zona occludens-1 and serum concentrations of interferon γ, and increased (P &lt; 0.05) feed to gain ratio, crypt depth, mRNA levels of expression of heat-shock protein (HSP) 70, HSP90, nuclear factor kappa B, mucin-4, claudin-2 and serum concentrations of endotoxin, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α on Day 3 and Day 14, except for claudin-1 on Day 14 and TNF-α on Day 3 (P &gt; 0.05). Compared with HT group, birds in HT supplemented with resveratrol group decreased (P &lt; 0.05) crypt depth (in jejunum on Day 3, ileum on Day 14), mRNA levels of expression of HSP70, HSP90, nuclear factor kappa B, mucin-4, claudin-2 and serum concentrations of endotoxin, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α, and increased (P &lt; 0.05) average daily feed intake (+11%), average daily gain (+22%) and villus height, villus height to crypt depth ratio, mRNA levels of expression of mucin-2, sIgA, claudin-1,zona occludens-1 and serum concentrations of interferon γ, although with few fluctuations between Day 3 and Day 14. Conclusions Dietary supplementation of resveratrol was effective in partially alleviating the adverse effects of heat stress on growth performance and intestinal barrier function in yellow-feather broilers, by restoring the impaired villus-crypt structure, altering the mRNA expression of intestinal HSPs, mucins, sIgA and tight junction-related gene, and inhibiting secretion of pro-inflammation cytokines. Implications Dietary resveratrol supplementation is a considerable nutritional strategy to anti-stress in animal production.

Dietary Phytonutrients in the Prevention of Diabetes-related Complications

BACKGROUND

The increasing prevalence of reported cases of diabetes has evidently become a major global public health concern. Although diabetes management is possible by the administration of synthetic anti-diabetic agents, there are profound side-effects associated with their long-term usage. Hence there is a demand for safer alternatives which could be possibly formulated using specific yet common phytonutrients.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this review is to describe the cellular mechanisms of phytonutrients as an alternative to commercially available synthetic anti-diabetic agents in the management of diabetes and related complications. Furthermore, the clinical evidence that supports this view is also highlighted.

METHODOLOGY

An in-depth review of published literature was carried out to identify the most promising phytonutrients in the management of diabetes and related complications.

RESULTS

A number of phytonutrients are reported to be potential anti-diabetic agents. Few examples include biguanides, resveratrol, lycopene, thymoquinone and quercetin. However, suitable formulations using these phytonutrients and their clinical trials are still underway. Most of the reported findings focus on one aspect of several biochemical processes e.g. enhancement of glucose utilization, antioxidation, induction of insulin production, antiglycation, etc. An in-depth study of phytonutrients with respect to functional, immunological as well as biochemical factors suggesting their efficacy, as well as safety in the management of diabetes, is rarely reported.

CONCLUSION

Our study thus highlights the abundance of clinical evidence of the efficiency of phytonutrients, and at the same time, the scarcity of clinically approved and marketed phytonutrients, as drugs, for the management of diabetes and related complications.

Dietary Polyphenols and Mitochondrial Function: Role in Health and Disease

Mitochondria are cytoplasmic double-membraned organelles that are involved in a myriad of key cellular regulatory processes. The loss of mitochondrial function is related to the pathogenesis of several human diseases. Over the last decades, an increasing number of studies have shown that dietary polyphenols can regulate mitochondrial redox status, and in some cases, prevent or delay disease progression. This paper aims to review the role of four dietary polyphenols - resveratrol, curcumin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate nd quercetin - in molecular pathways regulated by mitochondria and their potential impact on human health. Cumulative evidence showed that the aforementioned polyphenols improve mitochondrial functions in different in vitro and in vivo experiments. The mechanisms underlying the polyphenols' beneficial effects include, among others, the attenuation of oxidative stress, the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism and biogenesis and the modulation of cell-death signaling cascades, among other mitochondrial-independent effects. The understanding of the chemicalbiological interactions of dietary polyphenols, namely with mitochondria, may have a huge impact on the treatment of mitochondrial dysfunction-related disorders.

Dietary resveratrol supplementation inhibits heat stress-induced high-activated innate immunity and inflammatory response in spleen of yellow-feather broilers

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary resveratrol supplementation on innate immunity and inflammatory responses in the spleen of yellow-feather broilers under heat stress. A total of 288 yellow-feather broilers of 28-day-old were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups with 6 replicates. A thermo-neutral group (TN) (24 ± 2°C) received a basal diet and another 2 heat-stressed groups (37 ± 2°C for 8 h/D and 24 ± 2°C for the remaining time) were fed the basal diet (HT) or basal diet with 500 mg/kg resveratrol (HT+Res) for 14 consecutive days. The results showed that heat stress decreased (P < 0.05) the growth index of thymus, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius, reduced (P < 0.05) the levels of complement C3 and C4 in serum. Heat stress also caused activation of inflammatory immune responses evidenced by increased (P < 0.05) the mRNA abundance of HSP (heat shock protein) 70, toll-like receptor (TLR)1, TLR4, TLR5, myeloid differentiation factor-88 (MyD88), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1), Dectin-1, transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-4, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, but decreased the mRNA abundance of interferon (IFN)-γ, activated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), and phosphoinositide-3 kinases-protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathways. Dietary supplementation with resveratrol improved (P < 0.05) the growth index of thymus, spleen and bursa Fabricius, and increased (P < 0.05) the serum level of complement C3 under heat stress. In addition, resveratrol reduced (P < 0.05) the mRNA abundance of HSP70, TLR4, TLR5, NOD1, Dectin-1, and TAK1, and inhibited the NF-κB, MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway via down-regulated the phosphorylation of p65, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase and AKT, as well as decreased the inflammatory cytokines expression, including IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α in the spleen under heat stress. Collectively, dietary resveratrol could have beneficial effects to regulate innate immunity and inflammatory response, via inhibiting the activation of NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways induced by heat stress in the spleen.

Role of Resveratrol on Indoxyl Sulfate-Induced Endothelial Hyperpermeability via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR)/Src-Dependent Pathway

Resveratrol (RES), a dietary polyphenol compound, has been shown to possess health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiatherosclerosis properties. Tryptophan metabolite-derived indoxyl sulfate (IS) is identified as one of the uremic toxins and physiological endogenous ligand/activator of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), associated with atherosclerosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Studies have shown that a high serum level of IS causes deleterious effects on health primarily by inducing oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. However, the precise mechanisms are still unclear. Here, we investigated the underlying mechanism of IS effect on endothelial permeability and the role of RES on IS-induced endothelial hyperpermeability via the AHR/Src-dependent pathway. Bovine aorta endothelial cells (BAECs) were cultured and incubated with IS in the presence or absence of RES, and transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability of cells were measured. Alongside, AHR, Src kinase, and Vascular Endothelial Cadherin (VE-Cadherin) activation were examined. Our data showed that IS reduced TEER of cells resulting in increased permeability. VE-Cadherin, a vital regulator of endothelial permeability, was also significantly activated in response to IS, which appeared to be associated with changes of endothelial permeability and AHR/Src kinase. Interestingly, in this setting, RES reversed the effect of IS and inhibited the increased activation of Src induced by IS-activated AHR and modulated VE-Cadherin and permeability. CH223191, an inhibitor of AHR, significantly inhibits IS-induced endothelial hyperpermeability. Further analysis with treatment of PP2, an inhibitor of Src abolishing Src activation, suggests downstream factors. All our data indicated that IS upregulated the AHR/Src kinase pathway, and increased endothelial permeability and phosphorylation of VE-Cadherin may be represented and provide new strategies for addressing protective properties of RES against Src kinase involved in AHR-mediated endothelial hyperpermeability. The findings may be crucial for managing diseases in which endothelial permeability is compromised, and the dietary polyphenols are involved.

The application of resveratrol to mesenchymal stromal cell-based regenerative medicine

Currently, the transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) has emerged as an effective strategy to protect against tissue and organ injury. MSC transplantation also serves as a promising therapy for regenerative medicine, while poor engraftment and limited survival rates are major obstacles for its clinical application. Although multiple studies have focused on investigating chemicals to improve MSC stemness and differentiation in vitro and in vivo, there is still a shortage of effective and safe agents for MSC-based regenerative medicine. Resveratrol (RSV), a nonflavonoid polyphenol phytoalexin with a stilbene structure, was first identified in the root extract of white hellebore and is also found in the roots of Polygonum cuspidatum, and it is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. RSV is a natural agent that possesses great therapeutic potential for protecting against acute or chronic injury in multiple tissues as a result of its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. According to its demonstrated properties, RSV may improve the therapeutic effects of MSCs via enhancing their survival, self-renewal, lineage commitment, and anti-aging effects. In this review, we concluded that RSV significantly improved the preventive and therapeutic effects of MSCs against multiple diseases. We also described the underlying mechanisms of the effects of RSV on the survival, self-renewal, and lineage commitment of MSCs in vitro and in vivo. Upon further clarification of the potential mechanisms of the effects of RSV on MSC-based therapy, MSCs may be able to be more widely used in regenerative medicine to promote recovery from tissue injury.

Resveratrol inhibited LPS induced transcription of immune genes and secretion of eicosanoids in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), comparing mono-, co- and a novel triple cell culture model of head kidney leukocytes, liver cells and visceral adipocyte tissue

The aim was to study the effect of resveratrol on the interplay of inflammatory signals using three different cell models; a metabolic organ (liver), an endocrine organ (visceral adipose tissue, VAT) and an immune organ (head kidney leukocytes, HKL) following lipopolysaccharide challenge (LPS). Atlantic salmon HKL, liver cells and VAT were isolated from the same fish (n = 5). Each cell type was cultured either as mono-cultures, as co-cultures between HKL-liver cells, liver cells-VAT and HKL-VAT. Triple -cultures included all three tissues. In all cultures of HKL, LPS induced transcription of IL-1β, cox2, tnfα, IL-12, ccattβ and Ahr were significantly inhibited by resveratrol (100, 200 μM). Likewise, in all cultures of liver cells, the LPS induced expression of IL-1β was inhibited by resveratrol (100 and 200 μM). HKL, both mono-cultures and triple-cultures and VAT cocultured with liver cells, showed LPS induced cox2 transcription that was inhibited by resveratrol (100 and 200 μM). In contrast, VAT cultured as triple cultures, resveratrol 200 μM particularly, in the presence of LPS, seemed to increase the expression of IL-1β and ccattβ. Resveratrol did not significantly affect lox5 expression in any culture. HKL and VAT are the main producers of PGE2 in response to inflammatory stimuli. VAT showed high endogenous production of eicosanoids, particularly LTB4 and LTB5. Resveratrol inhibited bot LPS induced and endogenous eicosanoid production. Possible targets of resveratrol, Sirt1 and pAMPK were affected differently in the different cells and tissue studied.

Maximizing Longevity and Healthspan: Multiple Approaches All Converging on Autophagy

Our understanding of the molecular basis of aging has greatly increased over the past few decades. In this review, we provide an overview of the key signaling pathways associated with aging, and whose modulation has been shown to extend lifespan in a range of model organisms. We also describe how these pathways converge onto autophagy, a catabolic process that functions to recycle dysfunctional cellular material and maintains energy homeostasis. Finally, we consider various approaches of therapeutically modulating these longevity pathways, highlighting exercise as a potent geroprotector.

Inositol and antioxidant supplementation: Safety and efficacy in pregnancy

Pregnancies complicated by diabetes have largely increased in number over the last 50 years. Pregnancy is characterized by a physiologic increase in insulin resistance, which, associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammations, could induce alterations of glucose metabolism and diabetes. If not optimally controlled, these conditions have a negative impact on maternal and foetal outcomes. To date, one can resort only to diet and lifestyle to treat obesity and insulin resistance during pregnancy, and insulin remains the only therapeutic option to manage diabetes during pregnancy. However, in the last years, in a variety of experimental models, inositol and antioxidants supplementation have shown insulin-sensitizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which could be mediated by some possible complementary mechanism of action. Different isomers and multiple combinations of these compounds are presently available: Aim of the present review article is to examine the existing evidence in order to clarify and/or define the effects of different inositol- and antioxidant-based supplements during pregnancy complicated by insulin resistance and/or by diabetes. This could help the clinician's evaluation and choice of the appropriate supplementation regimen.

Sirtuin 1 regulates pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation: role in pulmonary arterial hypertension

OBJECTIVE

Energy metabolism shift from oxidative phosphorylation toward glycolysis in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) is suggested to be involved in their hyperproliferation in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Here, we studied the role of the deacetylase sirtuin1 (SIRT1) in energy metabolism regulation in PASMCs via various pathways including activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Contents of PGC-1α and its downstream targets as well as markers of mitochondrial mass (voltage-dependent anion channel and citrate synthase) were diminished in human PAH PASMCs. These cells and platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated rat PASMCs demonstrated a shift in cellular acetylated/deacetylated state, as evidenced by the increase of the acetylated forms of SIRT1 targets: histone H1 and Forkhead box protein O1. Rat and human PASMC proliferation was potentiated by SIRT1 pharmacological inhibition or specific downregulation via short-interfering RNA. Moreover, after chronic hypoxia exposure, SIRT1 inducible knock out mice displayed a more intense vascular remodeling compared with their control littermates, which was associated with an increase in right ventricle pressure and hypertrophy. SIRT1 activator Stac-3 decreased the acetylation of histone H1 and Forkhead box protein O1 and strongly inhibited rat and human PASMC proliferation without affecting cell mortality. This effect was associated with the activation of mitochondrial biogenesis evidenced by higher expression of mitochondrial markers and downstream targets of PGC-1α.

CONCLUSION

Altered acetylation/deacetylation balance as the result of SIRT1 inactivation is involved in the pathogenesis of PAH, and this enzyme could be a promising therapeutic target for PAH treatment.

Sweet Mitochondria: A Shortcut to Alzheimer's Disease

A growing body of evidence supports a clear association between Alzheimer's disease and diabetes and several mechanistic links have been revealed. This paper is mainly devoted to the discussion of the role of diabetes-associated mitochondrial defects in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. The research experience and views of the author on this subject will be highlighted.

The Resveratrol Rice DJ526 Callus Significantly Increases the Lifespan of Drosophila (Resveratrol Rice DJ526 Callus for Longevity)

Resveratrol has gained widespread scientific attention due to its ability to significantly extend the lifespan of yeast. However, research on the efficacy of resveratrol on lifespan extension has yielded mixed results in animal studies, making resveratrol a contentious subject. In our previous work, we reported that transgenic resveratrol rice DJ526 showed unusual health benefits beyond expectations. In this work, we established a callus culture of resveratrol rice DJ526, which contains 180 times more resveratrol than the grain, and found that resveratrol rice callus significantly extended the median lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster by up to 50% compared to the control. The resveratrol rice callus also ameliorated age-dependent symptoms, including locomotive deterioration, body weight gain, eye degeneration, and neurodegeneration of D. melanogaster with age progression. Considering that resveratrol is the most preferred antiaging compound due to its superior safety and proven mechanism against many serious adult diseases, the outstanding efficacy of resveratrol on the longevity of wild-type animals could cast a light on the development of antiaging therapeutic agents.

L-NAME-induced Preeclampsia: correction of functional disorders of the hemostasis system with Resveratrol and Nicorandil

Introduction. Preeclampsia is a formidable disease of the second half of pregnancy, leading to severe complications, including disability and even death. Many authors have recognized the correlation between the severity of preeclampsia and the degree of disturbances in the hemostasis system. In this regard, the objective of this study was to assess inhibition of platelet aggregation and the possibility of its correction with resverаtrol and nicorandil.

Materials and methods. The study was performed on 250 mature white Wistar female rats weighing 250–300 g. The platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen, ristomycin, adrenaline was determined, as well as PTT, TT, aPTT, fibrinogen, and the clotting time.

Results and discussion. Introduction of resverаtrol and nicorandil resulted in a decrease in thrombocyte aggregation capacity from 53.8 ± 2.60% to 22.1 ± 1.25% and 37.1 ± 1.79%, respectively, when using ADP as an inducer. The clotting time was from 841 ± 42 s up to 1135 ± 33 s and 1034 ± 26 s, respectively. In addition, there was an increase in temporal parameters of plasma-coagulation hemostasis and a decrease in plasma fibrinogen content. The use of glibenclamide resulted in partial cancellation of the positive effects of resverаtrol and nicorandil, with an increase in platelet aggregation to 28.9 ± 1.8% and 43.9 ± 1.2% when using ADP as an inducer and a decrease in the thrombosis time to 988 ± 26 s and 950 ± 22 s, respectively.

Conclusion. In animals with experimental preeclampsia, there were disturbances in the hemostasis system, comparable to those in the clinical situation. The use of resverаtrol and nicorandil leads to a pronounced correction of hemostasis parameters. The positive effects of the studied pharmacological agents are mediated by several mechanisms, including K+ATP channels.

Mitochondrial Genetic Disorders: Cell Signaling and Pharmacological Therapies

Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and respiratory chain (RC) defects form a large group of inherited monogenic disorders sharing many common clinical and pathophysiological features, including disruption of mitochondrial bioenergetics, but also, for example, oxidative stress and accumulation of noxious metabolites. Interestingly, several transcription factors or co-activators exert transcriptional control on both FAO and RC genes, and can be activated by small molecules, opening to possibly common therapeutic approaches for FAO and RC deficiencies. Here, we review recent data on the potential of various drugs or small molecules targeting pivotal metabolic regulators: peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and protein kinase A (PKA)) or interacting with reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling, to alleviate or to correct inborn FAO or RC deficiencies in cellular or animal models. The possible molecular mechanisms involved, in particular the contribution of mitochondrial biogenesis, are discussed. Applications of these pharmacological approaches as a function of genotype/phenotype are also addressed, which clearly orient toward personalized therapy. Finally, we propose that beyond the identification of individual candidate drugs/molecules, future pharmacological approaches should consider their combination, which could produce additive or synergistic effects that may further enhance their therapeutic potential.

Resveratrol and Its Effects on the Vascular System

Resveratrol, the phenolic substance isolated initially from Veratrum grandiflorum and richly present in grapes, wine, peanuts, soy, and berries, has been attracting attention of scientists and medical doctors for many decades. Herein, we review its effects on the vascular system. Studies utilizing cell cultures and pre-clinical models showed that resveratrol alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation. Furthermore, resveratrol suppresses vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, promotes autophagy, and has been investigated in the context of vascular senescence. Pre-clinical models unambiguously demonstrated numerous vasculoprotective effects of resveratrol. In clinical trials, resveratrol moderately diminished systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients, as well as blood glucose in patients with diabetes mellitus. Yet, open questions remain, as exemplified by a recent report which states that the intake of resveratrol might blunt certain positive effects of exercise in older persons, and further research addressing the framework for long-term use of resveratrol as a food supplement, will stay in demand.

Promoting healthspan and lifespan with caloric restriction in primates

Recent data confirmed the efficiency of caloric restriction for promoting both healthspan and lifespan in primates, but also revealed potential adverse effects at the central level. This paper proposes perspectives and future directions to counterbalance potential adverse effects. Efforts should be made in combining nutrition-based clinical protocols with therapeutic and/or behavioral interventions to aim for synergetic effects, and therefore delay the onset of age-related diseases without adverse effects.

Tortuous Paths of Insulin Signaling and Mitochondria in Alzheimer's Disease

Due to the exponential growth of aging population worldwide, neurodegenerative diseases became a major public health concern. Among them, Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevails as the most common in the elderly, rendering it a research priority. After several decades considering the brain as an insulin-insensitive organ, recent advances proved a central role for this hormone in learning and memory processes and showed that AD shares a high number of features with systemic conditions characterized by insulin resistance. Mitochondrial dysfunction has also been widely demonstrated to play a major role in AD development supporting the idea that this neurodegenerative disease is characterized by a pronounced metabolic dysregulation. This chapter is intended to discuss evidence demonstrating the key role of insulin signaling and mitochondrial anomalies in AD.

Increased expression of tripartite motif (TRIM) like 2 promotes tumoral growth in human oral cancer

Tripartite motif family-like 2 (TRIML2), a member of the TRIM proteins family, is closely related to Alzheimer's disease, however, no studies of TRIML2 have been published in the cancer research literature. In the current study, we investigated the expression level of TRIML2 and its molecular mechanisms in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC); reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunoblot analysis, and immunohistochemistry showed that TRIML2 is up-regulated significantly in OSCCs in vitro and in vivo. TRIML2 knockdown OSCC cells showed decreased cellular proliferation by cell-cycle arrest at G1 phase that resulted from down-regulation of CDK4, CDK6, and cyclin D1 and up-regulation of p21^Cip1 and p27^Kip1. Surprisingly, resveratrol, a polyphenol, led to not only down-regulation of TRIML2 but also cell-cycle arrest at G1 phase similar to TRIML2 knockdown experiments. Taken together, we concluded that TRIML2 might play a significant role in tumoral growth and that resveratrol may be a new drug for treating OSCC by interfering with TRIML2 function.

Resveratrol exhibits an effect on attenuating retina inflammatory condition and damage of diabetic retinopathy via PON1

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), an obstacle of the visual microvascular system, is a serious complication of diabetic patients. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) has been extensively evaluated as a genetic candidate for diabetic microvascular complications, and PON1 is associated with DR. In this study, the biological functions of PON1 and its related proteins were determined via gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis; we demonstrated that treatment with resveratrol alleviated retinal inflammatory activities to evaluate its protective effects on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and high-glucose (HG) stimulated rat retinal endothelial cells (RRECs). The GO enrichment analysis suggested that PON1 may regulate inflammatory responses and microvascular complications in DR. In an in vivo study, resveratrol significantly recovered the insulin level and PON1 expression and activity, as well as clearly reduced the retinal vascular permeability, retinal AGEs, LDL, Ox-LDL, caspase3 activity, retinal damage, IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, VEGF, IFNγ and MCP-1 in STZ-diabetic rats. Moreover, resveratrol reduced the caspase3 activity and Ox-LDL expression in HG stimulated RRECs. However, its protective effect was a deficiency in PON1-silenced RRECs. PON1 is a pivotal modulator in the role of resveratrol in reversing the RREC damage induced by HG. Furthermore, we found that resveratrol exhibits an effect on attenuating the retinal inflammatory condition and damage of DR via PON1. Our study suggests that resveratrol-induced PON1 in the retina may be a promising therapeutic strategy to prevent diabetes-related retinopathy.