Resveratrol: Inhibitory Effects on Metastatic Cell Behaviors and Voltage-Gated Na+Channel Activity in Rat Prostate Cancer In Vitro

The Pros and Cons of Estrogens in Prostate Cancer: An Update with a Focus on Phytoestrogens

The role of estrogens in prostate cancer (PCa) is shrouded in mystery, with its actions going from angelic to devilish. The findings by Huggins and Hodges establishing PCa as a hormone-sensitive cancer have provided the basis for using estrogens in therapy. However, despite the clinical efficacy in suppressing tumor growth and the panoply of experimental evidence describing its anticarcinogenic effects, estrogens were abolished from PCa treatment because of the adverse secondary effects. Notwithstanding, research work over the years has continued investigating the effects of estrogens, reporting their pros and cons in prostate carcinogenesis. In contrast with the beneficial therapeutic effects, many reports have implicated estrogens in the disruption of prostate cell fate and tissue homeostasis. On the other hand, epidemiological data demonstrating the lower incidence of PCa in Eastern countries associated with a higher consumption of phytoestrogens support the beneficial role of estrogens in counteracting cancer development. Many studies have investigated the effects of phytoestrogens and the underlying mechanisms of action, which may contribute to developing safe estrogen-based anti-PCa therapies. This review compiles the existing data on the anti- and protumorigenic actions of estrogens and summarizes the anticancer effects of several phytoestrogens, highlighting their promising features in PCa treatment.

Bioelectric pharmacology of cancer: A systematic review of ion channel drugs affecting the cancer phenotype

Cancer is a pernicious and pressing medical problem; moreover, it is a failure of multicellular morphogenesis that sheds much light on evolutionary developmental biology. Numerous classes of pharmacological agents have been considered as cancer therapeutics and evaluated as potential carcinogenic agents; however, these are spread throughout the primary literature. Here, we briefly review recent work on ion channel drugs as promising anti-cancer treatments and present a systematic review of the known cancer-relevant effects of 109 drugs targeting ion channels. The roles of ion channels in cancer are consistent with the importance of bioelectrical parameters in cell regulation and with the functions of bioelectric signaling in morphogenetic signals that act as cancer suppressors. We find that compounds that are well-known for having targets in the nervous system, such as voltage-gated ion channels, ligand-gated ion channels, proton pumps, and gap junctions are especially relevant to cancer. Our review suggests further opportunities for the repurposing of numerous promising candidates in the field of cancer electroceuticals.

Voltage-gated sodium channels, sodium transport and progression of solid tumours

Sodium (Na+) concentration in solid tumours of different origin is highly dysregulated, and this corresponds to the aberrant expression of Na+ transporters. In particular, the α subunits of voltage gated Na+ channels (VGSCs) raise intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]i) in malignant cells, which influences the progression of solid tumours, predominantly driving cancer cells towards a more aggressive and metastatic phenotype. Conversely, re-expression of VGSC β subunits in cancer cells can either enhance tumour progression or promote anti-tumourigenic properties. Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, highlighting an important area of research which urgently requires improved therapeutic interventions. Here, we review the extent to which VGSC subunits are dysregulated in solid tumours, and consider the implications of such dysregulation on solid tumour progression. We discuss current understanding of VGSC-dependent mechanisms underlying increased invasive and metastatic potential of solid tumours, and how the complex relationship between the tumour microenvironment (TME) and VGSC expression may further drive tumour progression, in part due to the interplay of infiltrating immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and insufficient supply of oxygen (hypoxia). Finally, we explore past and present clinical trials that investigate utilising existing VGSC modulators as potential pharmacological options to support adjuvant chemotherapies to prevent cancer recurrence. Such research demonstrates an exciting opportunity to repurpose therapeutics in order to improve the disease-free survival of patients with aggressive solid tumours.

Voltage-gated sodium channels: from roles and mechanisms in the metastatic cell behavior to clinical potential as therapeutic targets

During the second half of the last century, the prevalent knowledge recognized the voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) as the proteins responsible for the generation and propagation of action potentials in excitable cells. However, over the last 25 years, new non-canonical roles of VGSCs in cancer hallmarks have been uncovered. Their dysregulated expression and activity have been associated with aggressive features and cancer progression towards metastatic stages, suggesting the potential use of VGSCs as cancer markers and prognostic factors. Recent work has elicited essential information about the signalling pathways modulated by these channels: coupling membrane activity to transcriptional regulation pathways, intracellular and extracellular pH regulation, invadopodia maturation, and proteolytic activity. In a promising scenario, the inhibition of VGSCs with FDA-approved drugs as well as with new synthetic compounds, reduces cancer cell invasion in vitro and cancer progression in vivo. The purpose of this review is to present an update regarding recent advances and ongoing efforts to have a better understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms on the involvement of both pore-forming α and auxiliary β subunits of VGSCs in the metastatic processes, with the aim at proposing VGSCs as new oncological markers and targets for anticancer treatments.

Anti-cancer potential of synergistic phytochemical combinations is influenced by the genetic profile of prostate cancer cell lines

Introduction

Despite strong epidemiological evidence that dietary factors modulate cancer risk, cancer control through dietary intervention has been a largely intractable goal for over sixty years. The effect of tumour genotype on synergy is largely unexplored.

Methods

The effect of seven dietary phytochemicals, quercetin (0-100 μM), curcumin (0-80 μM), genistein, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), equol, resveratrol and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (each 0-200 μM), alone and in all paired combinations om cell viability of the androgen-responsive, pTEN-null (LNCaP), androgen-independent, pTEN-null (PC-3) or androgen-independent, pTEN-positive (DU145) prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines was determined using a high throughput alamarBlue^® assay. Synergy, additivity and antagonism were modelled using Bliss additivism and highest single agent equations. Patterns of maximum synergy were identified by polygonogram analysis. Network pharmacology approaches were used to identify interactions with known PCa protein targets.

Results

Synergy was observed with all combinations. In LNCaP and PC-3 cells, I3C mediated maximum synergy with five phytochemicals, while genistein was maximally synergistic with EGCG. In contrast, DU145 cells showed resveratrol-mediated maximum synergy with equol, EGCG and genistein, with I3C mediating maximum synergy with only quercetin and curcumin. Knockdown of pTEN expression in DU145 cells abrogated the synergistic effect of resveratrol without affecting the synergy profile of I3C and quercetin.

Discussion

Our study identifies patterns of synergy that are dependent on tumour cell genotype and are independent of androgen signaling but are dependent on pTEN. Despite evident cell-type specificity in both maximally-synergistic combinations and the pathways that phytochemicals modulate, these combinations interact with similar prostate cancer protein targets. Here, we identify an approach that, when coupled with advanced data analysis methods, may suggest optimal dietary phytochemical combinations for individual consumption based on tumour molecular profile.Graphical abstract.

Pharmacological and nutritional targeting of voltage-gated sodium channels in the treatment of cancers

Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels, initially characterized in excitable cells, have been shown to be aberrantly expressed in non-excitable cancer tissues and cells from epithelial origins such as in breast, lung, prostate, colon, and cervix, whereas they are not expressed in cognate non-cancer tissues. Their activity was demonstrated to promote aggressive and invasive potencies of cancer cells, both in vitro and in vivo, whereas their deregulated expression in cancer tissues has been associated with metastatic progression and cancer-related death. This review proposes NaV channels as pharmacological targets for anticancer treatments providing opportunities for repurposing existing NaV-inhibitors or developing new pharmacological and nutritional interventions.

Resveratrol is cytotoxic and acts synergistically with NF-κB inhibition in osteosarcoma MG-63 cells

INTRODUCTION

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignancy of the bone. The existing adjuvant chemotherapy regimens, while improving the overall survival, have been limited by the significant systemic toxicity. Substantial clinical and research efforts are being invested to develop novel pharmaceutical agents. Resveratrol (Res) has been suggested to have a chemopreventive effect. However, the mechanism of Res in osteosarcoma remains to be elucidated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The MG-63 osteosarcoma cell culture model was used to investigate the chemotherapeutic effect of Res. MTT assay, wound healing assay, and Transwell migration assay were used to document the effect of Res on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, respectively. Apoptosis in MG-63 cells was quantified with the TUNEL assay. Western blotting analysis was used to examine the molecular changes following Res treatment. Data processing and analysis were conducted using GraphPad Prism 5.0. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Our data suggested that Res blocks cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and activates apoptotic cell death in osteosarcoma MG-63 cells. We found that Res potentially down-regulates nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and Akt intracellular signaling transduction. Moreover, the combination of Res and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an NF-κB inhibitor, resulted in synergistic growth inhibition of osteosarcoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Our in vitro preclinical study in the MG-63 cell line model supports the translation of Res to the clinical management of patients with osteosarcoma.

Oleuropein: A Potential Inhibitor for Prostate Cancer Cell Motility by Blocking Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels

In this study, we investigated whether olive leaf and oleuropein have the potential to stop cell motility, which a metastatic cell behavior by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs). For this purpose, it was first prepared the aqueous extract of olive leaves (AOLE). Then it was assayed the effect on the motility of MAT-LyLu, a highly metastatic Dunning rat prostate adenocarcinoma cells of this extract. The phenolic content of AOLE was analyzed using LC-MS/MS instrument. It was observed that oleuropein was the most finding compound in AOLE. Therefore, whether oleuropein was responsible for the inhibitory effect of AOLE on the MAT-LyLu cell movement was tested. Nontoxic oleuropein concentrations and those that did not affect proliferation on MAT-LyLu cells were determined. Subsequently, it was examined the effects of oleuropein on the lateral and vertical movement of MAT-LyLu cells. To elucidate the mechanism of oleuropein affecting cell motility, whether it suppressed mRNA expression of SCN9A, which encodes the VGSC was analyzed. Accordingly, oleuropein suppressed the movement of MAT-LyLu cells by reducing SCN9A mRNA expression. In conclusion, we report the first time that oleuropein might be considered as a potential antimetastatic agent for prostate cancer due to its blocking effect on VGSC-mediated cell motility.

Epidermal Growth Factor Potentiates Migration of MDA-MB 231 Breast Cancer Cells by Increasing NaV1.5 Channel Expression

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and is the result of dysregulation of various signaling pathways in mammary epithelial cells. The mortality rate in patients suffering from breast cancer is high because the tumor cells have a prominent invasive capacity towards the surrounding tissues. Previous studies carried out in tumor cell models show that voltage-gated ion channels may be important molecular actors that contribute to the migratory and invasive capacity of the tumor cells.

METHODS

In this study, by using an experimental strategy that combines cell and molecular biology assays with electrophysiological recording, we sought to determine whether the voltage-dependent sodium channel NaV1.5 regulates the migratory capacity of the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB 231, when cells are maintained in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF), as an inductor of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

RESULTS

Our data show that EGF stimulates the migratory capacity of MDA-MB 231 cells, by regulating the functional expression of NaV1.5 channels. Consistent with this, the stimulatory actions of the growth factor were prevented by the use of tetrodotoxin, an Na+ channel selective blocker, as well as by resveratrol, an antioxidant that can also affect Na+ channel activity.

DISCUSSION

The understanding of molecular mechanisms, such as the EGF pathway in the progression of breast cancer is fundamental for the design of more effective therapeutic strategies for the disease.

Alcohol Intake and Risk of Lethal Prostate Cancer in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study

PURPOSE

It is unknown whether alcohol intake is associated with the risk of lethal (metastatic or fatal) prostate cancer. We examine (1) whether alcohol intake among men at risk of prostate cancer is associated with diagnosis of lethal prostate cancer and (2) whether intake among men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer is associated with metastasis or death.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study uses the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (1986 to 2012). Our analysis of alcohol intake among men at risk of prostate cancer included 47,568 cancer-free men. Our analysis of alcohol intake among men with prostate cancer was restricted to 5,182 men diagnosed with nonmetastatic prostate cancer during follow-up. We examine the association of total alcohol, red and white wine, beer, and liquor with lethal prostate cancer and death. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Alcohol drinkers had a lower risk of lethal prostate cancer (any v none: HR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.71 to 0.99]) without a dose-response relationship. Total alcohol intake among patients with prostate cancer was not associated with progression to lethal prostate cancer (any v none: HR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.57 to 1.72]), whereas moderate red wine intake was associated with a lower risk (any v none: HR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.29 to 0.86]; P trend = .05). Compared with none, 15 to 30 g/d of total alcohol after prostate cancer diagnosis was associated with a lower risk of death (HR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.50 to 1.00]), as was red wine (any v none: HR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.57 to 0.97]; P trend = .007).

CONCLUSION

Cancer-free men who consumed alcohol had a slightly lower risk of lethal prostate cancer compared with abstainers. Among men with prostate cancer, red wine was associated with a lower risk of progression to lethal disease. These observed associations merit additional study but provide assurance that moderate alcohol consumption is safe for patients with prostate cancer.

Evaluation of the anticancer and anti-metastasis effects of novel synthetic sodium channel blockers in prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are involved in several cellular processes related to cancer cell growth and metastasis, including adhesion, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. We here in investigated the effects of S0154 and S0161, two novel synthetic sodium channel blockers (SCBs), on human prostate cancer cells (PC3, DU145, and LnCaP) and a prostate cancer xenograft model.

METHODS

The MTT assay was used to assess the anticancer effects of SCBs in PC3, DU145, and LnCaP cells. Sodium indicator and glucose uptake assays were used to determine the effects of S0154 and S0161 in PC3 cells. The impact of these SCBs on the proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of PC3 cells were determined using a CFDA-SE cell proliferation assay, cell cycle assay, annexin V-FITC apoptosis assay, transwell cell invasion assay, and wound-healing assay, respectively. The protein expression levels of Nav1.6, Nav1.7, CDK1, cyclin B1, MMP2, MMP9 in PC3 cells were analysis by Western blotting. The in vivo anticancer activity was evaluated using a PC3 xenograft model in nude mice.

RESULTS

S0154 and S0161 both showed anticancer and anti-metastatic effects against prostate cancer cells and significantly inhibited cell viability, with IC₅₀ values in the range of 10.51-26.60 μmol/L (S0154) and 5.07-11.92 μmol/L (S0161). Both compounds also increased the intracellular level of sodium, inhibited the protein expression of two α subunits of VGSCs (Nav1.6 and Nav1.7), and caused G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, with no or minor effects on cell apoptosis. Concentrations of 5 and 10 μmol/L of S0154 and S0161 significantly decreased the glucose uptake of PC3 cells. The compounds also inhibited the proliferation of PC3 cells and decreased their invasion in transwell assays. Furthermore, S0161 exerted antitumor activity in an in vivo PC3 xenograft model in nude mice, inhibiting the growth of the tumors by about 51% compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that S0154 and S0161 have anticancer and anti-metastasis effects in prostate cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo, supporting their further development as potential therapeutic agents for prostate cancer.

An update of research evidence on nutrition and prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a leading cause of mortality in US and other countries. Preclinical and clinical studies have examined the role of nutrition and dietary intake on the incidence and progression of PCa with mixed results.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this chapter is to provide an update of recent published literature and highlight progress in the field.

MAIN FINDINGS

Low carbohydrate intake, soy protein, ω3 fat, green teas, tomatoes and tomato products and the herbal mixture-zyflamend showed promise in reducing PCa risk or progression. On the contrary, a higher animal fat intake and a higher β-carotene status may increase risk. A "U" shape relationship may exist between folate, vitamin C, vitamin D and calcium with PCa risk. Conclusion Despite the inconclusive findings, the potential for a role of dietary intake for the prevention and treatment of PCa remains promising. Maintaining a healthy body weight and following a healthy dietary pattern including antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables, reduced animal fat and refined carbohydrates, should be encouraged.

CONCLUSION

Despite the inconclusive findings, the potential for a role of dietary intake for the prevention and treatment of PCa remains promising. Maintaining a healthy body weight and following a healthy dietary pattern including antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables, reduced animal fat and refined carbohydrates, should be encouraged.

Resveratrol promotes regression of renal carcinoma cells via a renin-angiotensin system suppression-dependent mechanism

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of resveratrol on renal carcinoma cells and explore possible renin-angiotensin system-associated mechanisms. Subsequent to resveratrol treatment, the cell viability, apoptosis rate, cytotoxicity levels, caspase 3/7 activity and the levels of angiotensin II (AngII), AngII type 1 receptor (AT1R), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were evaluated in renal carcinoma cells. The effects of AngII, AT1R, VEGF and COX-2 on resveratrol-induced cell growth inhibition and apoptosis were also examined. The results indicated that resveratrol treatment may suppress growth, induce apoptosis, and decrease AngII, AT1R, VEGF and COX-2 levels in renal carcinoma ACHN and A498 cells. In addition, resveratrol-induced cell growth suppression and apoptosis were reversed when co-culturing with AT1R or VEGF. Thus, resveratrol may suppress renal carcinoma cell proliferation and induce apoptosis via an AT1R/VEGF pathway.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester: Inhibition of metastatic cell behaviours via voltage-gated sodium channel in human breast cancer in vitro

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester, derived from natural propolis, has been reported to have anti-cancer properties. Voltage-gated sodium channels are upregulated in many cancers where they promote metastatic cell behaviours, including invasiveness. We found that micromolar concentrations of caffeic acid phenethyl ester blocked voltage-gated sodium channel activity in several invasive cell lines from different cancers, including breast (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468), colon (SW620) and non-small cell lung cancer (H460). In the MDA-MB-231 cell line, which was adopted as a 'model', long-term (48 h) treatment with 18 μM caffeic acid phenethyl ester reduced the peak current density by 91% and shifted steady-state inactivation to more hyperpolarized potentials and slowed recovery from inactivation. The effects of long-term treatment were also dose-dependent, 1 μM caffeic acid phenethyl ester reducing current density by only 65%. The effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on metastatic cell behaviours were tested on the MDA-MB-231 cell line at a working concentration (1 μM) that did not affect proliferative activity. Lateral motility and Matrigel invasion were reduced by up to 14% and 51%, respectively. Co-treatment of caffeic acid phenethyl ester with tetrodotoxin suggested that the voltage-gated sodium channel inhibition played a significant intermediary role in these effects. We conclude, first, that caffeic acid phenethyl ester does possess anti-metastatic properties. Second, the voltage-gated sodium channels, commonly expressed in strongly metastatic cancers, are a novel target for caffeic acid phenethyl ester. Third, more generally, ion channel inhibition can be a significant mode of action of nutraceutical compounds.

Therapeutic Value of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Inhibitors in Breast, Colorectal, and Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review

Although survival rates of breast, colon, and prostate cancers are improving, deaths from these tumors frequently occur due to metastasis. Voltage-gated Na(+) channels (VGSCs) are membrane proteins, which regulate membrane current and cellular migration during nervous system organogenesis. VGSCs are also expressed in fibroblasts, immune cells, glia, and metastatic cancer cells. VGSCs regulate migration and invasion of breast, bowel, and prostate cancer cells, suggesting that they may be novel anti-metastatic targets. We conducted a systematic review of clinical and preclinical studies testing the effects of VGSC-inhibiting drugs in cancer. Two-hundred and four publications were identified, of which two human, two mouse, and 20 in vitro publications were included. In the clinical studies, the effect of these drugs on survival and metastatic relapse is not clear. The 22 preclinical studies collectively suggest that several VGSC-inhibiting drugs inhibit cancer proliferation, migration, and invasion. None of the human and only six of the preclinical studies directly investigated the effect of the drugs on VGSC activity. Studies were difficult to compare due to lack of standardized methodology and outcome measures. We conclude that the benefits of VGSC inhibitors require further investigation. Standardization of future studies and outcome measures should enable meaningful study comparisons.

Voltage-gated sodium channel as a target for metastatic risk reduction with re-purposed drugs

Objective: To determine the exact role of sodium channel proteins in migration, invasion and metastasis and understand the possible anti-invasion and anti-metastatic activity of repurposed drugs with voltage gated sodium channel blocking properties.

Material and methods: A review of the published medical literature was performed searching for pharmaceuticals used in daily practice, with inhibitory activity on voltage gated sodium channels. For every drug found, the literature was reviewed in order to define if it may act against cancer cells as an anti-invasion and anti-metastatic agent and if it was tested with this purpose in the experimental and clinical settings.

Results: The following pharmaceuticals that fulfill the above mentioned effects, were found: phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproate, lamotrigine, ranolazine, resveratrol, ropivacaine, lidocaine, mexiletine, flunarizine, and riluzole. Each of them are independently described and analyzed.

Conclusions: The above mentioned pharmaceuticals have shown anti-metastatic and anti-invasion activity and many of them deserve to be tested in well-planned clinical trials as adjunct therapies for solid tumors and as anti-metastatic agents. Antiepileptic drugs like phenytoin, carbamazepine and valproate and the vasodilator flunarizine emerged as particularly useful for anti-metastatic purposes.

Nutrition, dietary interventions and prostate cancer: the latest evidence

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a leading cause of mortality in US men and the prevalence continues to rise world-wide especially in countries where men consume a 'Western-style' diet. Epidemiologic, preclinical and clinical studies suggest a potential role for dietary intake on the incidence and progression of PCa. 'This minireview provides an overview of recent published literature with regard to nutrients, dietary factors, dietary patterns and PCa incidence and progression. Low carbohydrates intake, soy protein, omega-3 (w-3) fat, green teas, tomatoes and tomato products and zyflamend showed promise in reducing PCa risk or progression. A higher saturated fat intake and a higher β-carotene status may increase risk. A 'U' shape relationship may exist between folate, vitamin C, vitamin D and calcium with PCa risk. Despite the inconsistent and inconclusive findings, the potential for a role of dietary intake for the prevention and treatment of PCa is promising. The combination of all the beneficial factors for PCa risk reduction in a healthy dietary pattern may be the best dietary advice. This pattern includes rich fruits and vegetables, reduced refined carbohydrates, total and saturated fats, and reduced cooked meats. Further carefully designed prospective trials are warranted.

Recent advances of resveratrol in nanostructured based delivery systems and in the management of HIV/AIDS

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound present in trees, in peanuts, in grapevines and exhibited multiple pharmacological activities. Extensive research in last two decades suggested that resveratrol possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-amyloid, anti-arthritic and antioxidant properties. Some clinical reports have proposed that resveratrol might be a potential candidate for the prevention and/or treatment of HIV/AIDS and synergistically enhances the anti-HIV-1 activity. Resveratrol is not toxic to cells, and by itself reduces viral replication by 20% to 30%. With almost 12% of the world population suffering from HIV/AIDS including its resurgence in the developed world, better management of this global threat is highly desired. Further, various studies demonstrated several issues associated with resveratrol which account for its poor systemic bioavailability (almost zero) due to rapid and extensive first pass metabolism and existence of enterohepatic recirculation. In order to improve bioavailability and cellular uptake of resveratrol, various strategies have been adopted to date which includes resveratrol prodrug and the development of nanostructured delivery systems. Besides, nanostructured delivery systems are also known to inhibit the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux, reduced metabolism by gut cytochrome P-450 enzymes, and circumnavigate the hepatic first-pass effect, facilitating absorption of drugs via intestinal lymphatic pathways. This review paper provides an updated bird's-eye view account on the publications and patents study on the recent novel approaches to deliver resveratrol in order to enhance oral bioavailability, overcome first pass metabolism and trounce enterohepatic recirculation to make resveratrol a therapeutically potent drug. Providing a relatively pithy overview, this paper thus presents recent advances of resveratrol for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS.