Alteration of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes by resveratrol in liver and lung of CD1 mice. Food Chem Toxicol. 2009;47:454-461. [PMID: 19101601 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2008.11.040]

Preclinical studies on melanogenesis proteins using a resveratrol-nanoformula as a skin whitener

A naturally occurring polyphenol called trans-resveratrol has received a lot of attention due to its possible health advantages for humans. The low solubility of trans-resveratrol and its isomerization upon UV exposure strongly limit its application as a skin-whitening agent. In the present study, to increase trans-resveratrol solubility, a new nanoformula was created by combining hydrophilic surfactants and oils. Trans-Resveratrol nanoformula has been prepared, characterized, and applied as a skin-whitening agent on the dorsal skin of Guinea pigs. The optimized trans-resveratrol nanoformula with a particle size of 63.49 nm displayed a single peak and a polydispersity index [0.36 ± 0.02]. In addition, the zeta potential of the optimized formula was -30.4 mV, confirming the high stability of this nanoformula. The melanin contents in the trans-resveratrol nanoformula-treated group were substantially lower than those of the control and the blank nanoformula-treated groups after staining of the dorsal skins [black areas] of guinea pigs with Fontana Mountain dye. The pigmentation index in the control, blank nanoformula, and optimized trans-resveratrol nanoformula were 329.4 ± 36.9, 335.8 ± 71.4, and 124.8 ± 19.6 respectively. Confirming this finding, immunohistochemistry analysis of skin tissues revealed that the expressions of melanogenesis-regulating proteins such as tyrosinase and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor were down-regulated. The safety of topical application of trans-resveratrol nanoformula was validated by no changes in free radical levels and oxidative stress markers proteins in the livers and kidneys of guinea pigs at the end of the experiment. Conclusions: A novel trans-resveratrol nanoformula as well as the mechanism whereby it promotes skin whitening effects were presented. Furthermore, the study illustrated that trans-resveratrol nanoformula is safe, non-toxic, and can be applied for skin whitening, although more research on human skin is needed.

Pharmacological Modulation of Glutamatergic and Neuroinflammatory Pathways in a Lafora Disease Mouse Model

Lafora disease (LD) is a fatal rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects young adolescents and has no treatment yet. The hallmark of LD is the presence of polyglucosan inclusions (PGs), called Lafora bodies (LBs), in the brain and peripheral tissues. LD is caused by mutations in either EPM2A or EPM2B genes, which, respectively, encode laforin, a glucan phosphatase, and malin, an E3-ubiquitin ligase, with identical clinical features. LD knockout mouse models (Epm2a - / - and Epm2b - / -) recapitulate PG body accumulation, as in the human pathology, and display alterations in glutamatergic transmission and neuroinflammatory pathways in the brain. In this work, we show the results of four pre-clinical trials based on the modulation of glutamatergic transmission (riluzole and memantine) and anti-neuroinflammatory interventions (resveratrol and minocycline) as therapeutical strategies in an Epm2b - / - mouse model. Drugs were administered in mice from 3 to 5 months of age, corresponding to early stage of the disease, and we evaluated the beneficial effect of the drugs by in vivo behavioral phenotyping and ex vivo histopathological brain analyses. The behavioral assessment was based on a battery of anxiety, cognitive, and neurodegenerative tests and the histopathological analyses included a panel of markers regarding PG accumulation, astrogliosis, and microgliosis. Overall, the outcome of ameliorating the excessive glutamatergic neurotransmission present in Epm2b - / - mice by memantine displayed therapeutic effectiveness at the behavioral levels. Modulation of neuroinflammation by resveratrol and minocycline also showed beneficial effects at the behavioral level. Therefore, our study suggests that both therapeutical strategies could be beneficial for the treatment of LD patients. A mouse model of Lafora disease (Epm2b-/-) was used to check the putative beneficial effect of different drugs aimed to ameliorate the alterations in glutamatergic transmission and/or neuroinflammation present in the model. Drugs in blue gave a more positive outcome than the rest.

Targeting microbiota-host interactions with resveratrol on cancer: Effects and potential mechanisms of action

Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenolic compound detected in grapes, berries, and red wine. The anticancer activities of RSV have been observed in vivo and in vitro studies. However, the pharmacology mechanism of RSV is confusing due to its low bioavailability. According to studies of the metabolic characteristics of RSV, the gut intestine is a crucial site of its health benefits. Dietary RSV exhibits a profound effect on the gut microbiota structure and metabolic function. In addition, emerging evidence demonstrates a protective effect of RSV metabolites against carcinogenesis. Therefore, to better understand the anticancer mechanisms of dietary RSV, it is vital to evaluate the role of RSV-microbiota-host interactions in cancer therapy. In this review, we summarized significant findings on the anticancer activities of RSV based on epidemiological, experimental and clinical studies involved in investigating the metabolic characteristics and the traditional anticancer mechanisms of RSV. Special attention is given to the putative mechanisms involving microbiota-host interactions, such as the modulation of gut microecology and the anticancer effects of RSV metabolites. The changes in microbiota-host interactions after RSV supplementation play vital roles in cancer prevention and thus offering a new perspective on nutritional interventions to treat cancer.

Xenobiotica-metabolizing enzymes in the lung of experimental animals, man and in human lung models

The xenobiotic metabolism in the lung, an organ of first entry of xenobiotics into the organism, is crucial for inhaled compounds entering this organ intentionally (e.g. drugs) and unintentionally (e.g. work place and environmental compounds). Additionally, local metabolism by enzymes preferentially or exclusively occurring in the lung is important for favorable or toxic effects of xenobiotics entering the organism also by routes other than by inhalation. The data collected in this review show that generally activities of cytochromes P450 are low in the lung of all investigated species and in vitro models. Other oxidoreductases may turn out to be more important, but are largely not investigated. Phase II enzymes are generally much higher with the exception of UGT glucuronosyltransferases which are generally very low. Insofar as data are available the xenobiotic metabolism in the lung of monkeys comes closed to that in the human lung; however, very few data are available for this comparison. Second best rate the mouse and rat lung, followed by the rabbit. Of the human in vitro model primary cells in culture, such as alveolar macrophages and alveolar type II cells as well as the A549 cell line appear quite acceptable. However, (1) this generalization represents a temporary oversimplification born from the lack of more comparable data; (2) the relative suitability of individual species/models is different for different enzymes; (3) when more data become available, the conclusions derived from these comparisons quite possibly may change.

Targeting Cancer Via Resveratrol-Loaded Nanoparticles Administration: Focusing on In Vivo Evidence

Resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenol endowed with potential therapeutic effects in chronic diseases, particularly in cancer, the second leading cause of death worldwide in the twenty-first century. The advent of nanotechnology application in the field of drug delivery allows to overcome the constrains associated with the conventional anticancer treatments, in particular chemotherapy, reducing its adverse side effects, off target risks and surpassing cancer multidrug chemoresistance. Moreover, the use of nanotechnology-based carriers in the delivery of plant-derived anticancer agents, such as RSV, has already demonstrated to surpass the poor water solubility, instability and reduced bioavailability associated with phytochemicals, improving their therapeutic activity, thus prompting pharmaceutical developments. This review highlights the in vivo anticancer potential of RSV achieved by nanotherapeutic approaches. First, RSV physicochemical, stability and pharmacokinetic features are described. Thereupon, the chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive properties of RSV are underlined, emphasizing the RSV numerous cancer molecular targets. Lastly, a comprehensive analysis of the RSV-loaded nanoparticles (RSV-NPs) developed and administered in different in vivo cancer models to date is presented. Nanoparticles (NPs) have shown to improve RSV solubility, stability, pharmacokinetics and biodistribution in cancer tissues, enhancing markedly its in vivo anticancer activity. RSV-NPs are, thus, considered a potential nanomedicine-based strategy to fight cancer; however, further studies are still necessary to allow RSV-NP clinical translation.

The combined effect of Sango sprout juice and caloric restriction on metabolic disorders and gut microbiota composition in an obesity model

The main purpose of this study was to compare the benefits of SSJ supplementation in obese rats with those achieved only by switching the alimentary regimen from high-fat (HFD) to the regular one (RD) in liver, ileum and prostate. Furthermore, changings in caecal chime microbiota were investigated. SSJ was administered to rats in combination with a RD (HFD-RD + SSJ). The switch from HFD to RD led to a weight loss of almost 9.8 g, and the total cholesterol was found to be significantly lower. In the HFD-RD + SSJ group, all values were improved compared with the HFD control, and the weight decrement was higher (-23.29 g) with respect to HFD-RD. HFD led to a widespread increment of oxidative stress (OS) markers in liver, ileum and prostate. SSJ has shown to improve the results achieved by the suspension of HFD and it has proven effective wherever the only switch in diet regimen failed.

Effects of resveratrol on drug- and carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes, implications for cancer prevention

Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in grape skins and peanuts that has demonstrated many health benefits including protection against aging, cardiovascular and metabolic disease, neurological decline, and cancer. The anticancer properties of resveratrol have been attributed to a variety of mechanisms, including its general inhibition of phase I metabolism and induction of phase II metabolism. The effects of resveratrol on these enzymes, however, are still unclear, as in vitro evidence often contrasts with animal studies and clinical trials. Reasons for these variances could include the low bioavailability of resveratrol and the effects of resveratrol metabolites. Due to resveratrol's interactions with drug-metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters, individuals concurrently taking pharmacological doses of resveratrol with other supplements or medications could potentially experience nutrient-drug interactions. This review summarizes the known effects of resveratrol and its main metabolites on drug metabolism in order to help characterize which populations might benefit from resveratrol for the prevention of cancer, as well as those that may need to avoid supplementation due to potential drug interactions.

Harmful effects behind the daily supplementation of a fixed vegetarian blend in the rat model

Fruit and vegetables (FV) have long been considered a panacea against major chronic diseases, including cancer. However, there is no convincing epidemiological, clinical or experimental evidence supporting FV chemopreventive ability. A daily mono-supplementation of lyophilized onion, tomato, peach, black grape or lettuce was compared with the daily combined administration of the same FV (5 a day-like diet). Ten days post-treatment, the phase-I/II xenobiotic metabolizing and antioxidant enzyme activities, protein and mRNA levels were investigated. As a marker of oxidative stress, the level of hydroperoxides was measured in rat serum samples. Here we show that a blend of FV orally administered to rats not only potentially manipulates metabolism but also disrupts systemic oxidative homeostasis. A daily combination of the five servings remarkably down-regulates the catalytic activity, protein and mRNA levels of a cohort of hepatic metabolizing enzymes, suggesting a possible depressed clearance upon exposure to ubiquitous carcinogens. Strikingly, we observed an impairment of antioxidant enzymes with a boost in systemic hydroperoxide levels. Our study identifies new potential factors of cancer risk connected with the persistent consumption of fixed servings of FV, suggesting that dietary guidance should rely on a "daily diversification" of FV.

Raphanus sativus cv. Sango Sprout Juice Decreases Diet-Induced Obesity in Sprague Dawley Rats and Ameliorates Related Disorders

BACKGROUND

Obesity is recognized as a leading global health problem, correlated with an increased risk for several chronic diseases. One strategy for weight control management includes the use of vegetables rich in bioactive compounds to counteract weight gain, improve the antioxidant status and stimulate lipid catabolism.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Raphanus sativus Sango sprout juice (SSJ), a Brassica extraordinarily rich in anthocyanins (AC) and isothiocyanates (ITCs), in a non-genetic model of obesity (high fat diet-HFD induced).

METHODS

Control groups were fed with HFD or regular diet (RD). After a 10-week period, animals were assigned to experimental units and treated by gavage for 28 days as follows: HFD and RD control groups (rats fed HFD or RD and treated with vehicle only) and HFD-treated groups (rats fed HFD and treated with 15, 75 or 150 mg/kg b.w. of SSJ). Body weight and food consumption were recorded and serum lipid profile was measured (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and non-esterified fatty acids). Hepatic phase-I, phase-II as well as antioxidant enzymatic activities were assessed.

RESULTS

SSJ lowered total cholesterol level, food intake and liver weight compared with HFD rodents. SSJ at medium dose proved effective in reducing body-weight (~19 g reduction). SSJ was effective in up-regulating the antioxidant enzymes catalase,

NAD(P)H

quinone reductase, oxidised glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase, which reached or exceeded RD levels, as well as the phase II metabolic enzyme UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (up to about 43%). HFD up-regulated almost every cytochrome P450 isoform tested, and a mild down-regulation to baseline was observed after SSJ intervention.

CONCLUSION

This work reveals, for the first time, the antioxidant, hypolipidemic and antiobesity potential of SSJ, suggesting its use as an efficient new functional food/nutraceutical product.

Possible role of resveratrol targeting estradiol and neprilysin pathways in lipopolysaccharide model of Alzheimer disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive neurodegenerative brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. It is the most common cause of dementia among older people. One of the most important hallmarks of AD is the presence of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide in the brain that suggests that it is the primary trigger for neuronal loss. Herbal extracts have been studied over the years for their potential therapeutic effect in AD. Resveratrol (RSV), one of the most important phytoestrogens, is considered to be useful as estrogen plays an important role in AD. One of the most important amyloid degrading enzymes is neprilysin (NEP), which plays a major role in degrading Aβ, and mainly affected by estrogen. So, the aim of the present study is investigating the possible role of resveratrol in lipopolysaccharide model of AD and the implication of its possible role in regulating the estradiol and neprilysin pathways. Mice were divided into four groups: Control group (0.9 % saline), LPS group (0.8 mg/kg i.p once), Treatment group with RSV (mice were once injected with LPS then after 30 min given a dose of {4 mg/kg} RSV for 7 days), and RSV group only (mice received 4 mg/kg i.p for 7 days only). After 7 days mice were subjected to different behavioral tests using Y-maze, object recognition test, and open field tests. Estradiol and NEP level were measured using ELISA kit. Results showed RSV was able to reverse the decline in different types of memory (working, nonspatial, and locomotor functions) caused by LPS induction in mice. Moreover RSV was able to significantly increase both the estradiol level and NEP level and that may have a great role to decrease Aβ deposition as it has been confirmed that there is a link between NEP and estradiol level; by upregulation of estradiol level this consequently leads to increase in the level of NEP level, and by increasing the NEP level in brain, this lead to decrease in Aβ deposition and enhancing its degradation by NEP.

Anticancer mechanisms of resveratrol in liver cancer

Primary liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors. Because primary liver cancer has a high degree of malignancy and the early diagnosis is very difficult, it has a very poor prognosis and is associated with high mortality. Resveratrol is found in a variety of natural plants. Recent studies found that resveratrol has significant effects against liver cancer cells in vivo without obvious side effect, so it may become one of the most promising anticancer agents. This article will review the advances in understanding the anticancer mechanisms of resveratrol in liver cancer.

The effect of resveratrol and its methylthio-derivatives on the Nrf2-ARE pathway in mouse epidermis and HaCaT keratinocytes

Resveratrol is the most extensively studied stilbene derivative. We previously showed that methylthiostilbenes were more effective inhibitors of CYP1A1 and 1B1 activity than resveratrol. In this study, we investigated whether resveratrol and its methylthio-substituted derivatives, i.e. 3-M-4′-MTS (S2), 3,5-DM-4′-MTS (S5) and 3,4,5-TM-4′-MTS (S7) could activate Nrf2 signaling in the mouse epidermis and in human keratinocytes. Western blot analysis showed translocation of Nrf2 from the cytosol to the nucleus in both models. All of the tested stilbenes increased GST activity, but resveratrol was the most effective inducer. Moreover, only resveratrol increased the protein level of GSTP in the mouse epidermis. GSTM was enhanced in HaCaT cells after the treatment with derivatives S2 and S5. The same effect was observed for GSTP in the case of compound S2. Resveratrol and its derivatives reduced the NQO2 protein level in HaCaT cells. Thus, it is possible that increased expression of GSTP or GSTM and GST activity was linked with NQO2 inhibition in these cells. The results of this study indicate that resveratrol and its methylthioderivatives activate Nrf2 not only in the mouse epidermis, but also in human keratinocytes. Upregulating GST isozymes might be particularly important for deactivating chemical carcinogens, such as PAH.

Herb-drug interactions: challenges and opportunities for improved predictions

Supported by a usage history that predates written records and the perception that "natural" ensures safety, herbal products have increasingly been incorporated into Western health care. Consumers often self-administer these products concomitantly with conventional medications without informing their health care provider(s). Such herb-drug combinations can produce untoward effects when the herbal product perturbs the activity of drug metabolizing enzymes and/or transporters. Despite increasing recognition of these types of herb-drug interactions, a standard system for interaction prediction and evaluation is nonexistent. Consequently, the mechanisms underlying herb-drug interactions remain an understudied area of pharmacotherapy. Evaluation of herbal product interaction liability is challenging due to variability in herbal product composition, uncertainty of the causative constituents, and often scant knowledge of causative constituent pharmacokinetics. These limitations are confounded further by the varying perspectives concerning herbal product regulation. Systematic evaluation of herbal product drug interaction liability, as is routine for new drugs under development, necessitates identifying individual constituents from herbal products and characterizing the interaction potential of such constituents. Integration of this information into in silico models that estimate the pharmacokinetics of individual constituents should facilitate prospective identification of herb-drug interactions. These concepts are highlighted with the exemplar herbal products milk thistle and resveratrol. Implementation of this methodology should help provide definitive information to both consumers and clinicians about the risk of adding herbal products to conventional pharmacotherapeutic regimens.

Resveratrol: French paradox revisited

Resveratrol is a polyphenol that plays a potentially important role in many disorders and has been studied in different diseases. The research on this chemical started through the “French paradox,” which describes improved cardiovascular outcomes despite a high-fat diet in French people. Since then, resveratrol has been broadly studied and shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and anti-angiogenic effects, with those on oxidative stress possibly being most important and underlying some of the others, but many signaling pathways are among the molecular targets of resveratrol. In concert they may be beneficial in many disorders, particularly in diseases where oxidative stress plays an important role. The main focus of this review will be the pathways affected by resveratrol. Based on these mechanistic considerations, the involvement of resveratrol especially in cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and possibly in longevity will be is addressed.

Black cabbage seed extract affects rat Cyp-mediated biotransformation: organ and sex related differences

Brassicaceae are widely consumed in many parts of the world and their dietary intake has been associated with cancer risk reduction. Extracts and metabolites derived from cruciferous vegetables have thus gained popularity as potential cancer chemopreventive agents. We have previously found, unexpectly, that glucoraphanin, the most extensively present glucosinolate in these vegetables, is a potent mutagen bioactivating Phase-I enzyme inducer. In the present study, the influence of black cabbage seed extract, rich in glucoraphanin, was investigated on Phase-I enzymes in different organs of male or female rats. Oral seed extract injection at 120 or 240 mg/kg b.w. for one or four consecutive days, significantly affected various cytochrome P450 (CYP) -linked monooxygenases in a complex way being the lung the most responsive organ (in males, up to ∼2600% increase for CYP2B1/2 isoform and ∼96% loss for CYP1A1, CYP3A1/2). These findings indicate that the extract may strongly enhance and/or suppress rat xenobiotic biotransformation pathways and that caution should be paid to the possible influence on human metabolism. These data suggest an overall evaluation of the balance between beneficial vs. possible adverse effects for each agent, even if of natural origin, prior to routinely, preventive mass use.

Resveratrol preserves cardiac function, but does not prevent endothelial dysfunction or pulmonary inflammation after environmental tobacco smoke exposure

The mechanisms by which environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) causes adverse cardiovascular effects remain unclear. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol from red wine which may be beneficial to the cardiovascular system. Therefore, the ability of daily oral resveratrol (5mg/kg) to prevent adverse effects of a 14-day ETS exposure (1 h/day) on endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation), left ventricular function (echocardiography) and blood pressure (oscillometry) was assessed in juvenile male pigs (n=4 pigs/group). After a 14-day exposure to ETS, flow-mediated dilation was impaired while plasma nitrotyrosine was increased compared to sham-exposed pigs indicating impaired endothelial function. In ETS-exposed pigs, plasma C-reactive protein levels, lung cytochrome P4501A1 activity, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid total white blood cell count and leukocyte elastase activity were all significantly increased compared to sham-exposed pigs. Resveratrol treatment failed to prevent most ETS-mediated effects examined, but did increase left ventricular end-diastolic volume and ejection fraction in the presence of ETS exposure. In summary, ETS exposure impaired endothelial function and increased oxidative stress which was associated with pulmonary and systemic inflammation, but resveratrol failed to protect against these changes. More importantly, resveratrol exerted a positive effect on left ventricular function which may help explain the French paradox.

Transactivation of genes encoding for phase II enzymes and phase III transporters by phytochemical antioxidants

The induction of phase II enzymes and phase III transporters contributes to the metabolism, detoxification of xenobiotics, antioxidant capacity, redox homeostasis and cell viability. Transactivation of the genes that encode for phase II enzymes and phase III transporters is coordinatively regulated by activating transcription factors in response to external stimuli. Comprehensive studies indicate that antioxidant phytochemicals promote the induction of phase II enzymes and/or phase III transporters through various signaling pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase, protein kinase C, and mitogen-activated protein kinases. This paper focuses on the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways responsible for the transactivation of genes encoding for these proteins, as orchestrated by a series of transcription factors and related signaling components.

Resveratrol in the chemoprevention and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers and lethal diseases in the world. Although the majority of HCC cases occur in developing countries of Asia and Africa, the prevalence of liver cancer has risen considerably in Japan, Western Europe as well as the United States. HCC most commonly develops in patients with chronic liver disease, the etiology of which includes viral hepatitis (B and C), alcohol, obesity, iron overload and dietary carcinogens, including aflatoxins and nitrosamines. The current treatment modalities, including surgical resection and liver transplantation, have been found to be mostly ineffective. Hence, there is an obvious critical need to develop alternative strategies for the chemoprevention and treatment of HCC. Oxidative stress as well as inflammation has been implicated in the development and progression of hepatic neoplasia. Using naturally occurring phytochemicals and dietary compounds endowed with potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties is a novel approach to prevent and control HCC. One such compound, resveratrol, present in grapes, berries, peanuts as well as red wine, has emerged as a promising molecule that inhibits carcinogenesis with a pleiotropic mode of action. This review examines the current knowledge on mechanism-based in vitro and in vivo studies on the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic potential of resveratrol in liver cancer. Pre-clinical and clinical toxicity studies as well as pharmacokinetic data of resveratrol have also been highlighted in this review. Future directions and challenges involved in the use of resveratrol for the prevention and treatment of HCC are also discussed.