Resveratrol Improves Cell Cycle Arrest in Chronic Prostatitis Rats, by C-kit/SCF Suppression

Efficacy of resveratrol in male urogenital tract dysfunctions: an evaluation of pre-clinical data

Resveratrol is a polyphenol found naturally in fruits and plants. Recently, studies in humans and animal models have suggested beneficial properties of this polyphenol, such as improvements to metabolic and lipid profiles, along with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects. In the urogenital tract (UGT), resveratrol has also been tested clinically and experimentally as a therapeutic drug in several diseases; however, the translational efficacy of resveratrol, especially in UGT, is still a matter of debate. In the present review, we address the pre-clinical efficacy of resveratrol in UGT-related dysfunctions, focusing on lower urinary tract symptoms, non-cancerous prostatic disease (benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis) and erectile dysfunction. In vitro studies indicate that resveratrol reduces inflammatory markers and oxidative stress, and improves endothelial function in UGT organs and cells isolated from humans and animals. Despite displaying low oral bioavailability, in vivo administration of resveratrol largely improves erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis and voiding impairments, as evidenced in different animal models. Resveratrol also acts as a microbiota modulator, which may explain some of its beneficial effects in vivo. In contrast to the large amount of pre-clinical data, there are insufficient clinical trials to establish resveratrol treatment efficacy in human UGT-related diseases. In summary, we provide an overview of the in vivo and in vitro efficacy of resveratrol in animal and human UGT dysfunctions, which may support future clinical trials.

Melatonin attenuates prostatic inflammation and pelvic pain via Sirt1-dependent inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome in an EAP mouse model

BACKGROUND

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common male genitourinary system disease. As a neuroendocrine hormone, melatonin possesses a variety of biological functions, among which its anti-inflammatory effects have recently drawn substantial attention. The purpose of the current research was to study the effect of melatonin on CP/CPPS and the underlying mechanisms using a mouse model of experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP).

METHODS

The EAP mouse model was successfully established by subcutaneously injecting a mixture of prostate antigen and complete Freund's adjuvant. On Day 42, hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate the histological appearance of prostate tissues. Chronic pelvic pain development was assessed by suprapubic allodynia. The levels of inflammation-related cytokines, such as interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-17, and IL-1β, were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Then, we explored the anti-inflammatory effects of melatonin on CP/CPPS by Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining, by measuring the expression of silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) and NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins in EAP mice.

RESULTS

The EAP model mice exhibited severe diffuse leukocyte infiltration and significantly increased pelvic pain compared to the control mice. In the melatonin treatment group, the histological appearance of the prostate tissues, pelvic pain development, and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines were significantly alleviated compared to the EAP + dimethyl sulfoxide group. Furthermore, we found that the protective effects of melatonin were achieved through activation of the Sirt1 pathway and downregulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that melatonin could attenuate prostate inflammation and pelvic pain by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasomes signaling pathway through the activation of Sirt1 in mice with EAP, and these efforts should provide a promising therapeutic strategy for CP/CPPS.

Resveratrol Activates Autophagy via the AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway to Improve Cognitive Dysfunction in Rats With Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is a main cause of vascular dementia and is also an etiological factor of neurological diseases and mental disorders. However, few treatments are available for CCH, and new medications are needed. In the present study, we employed a rat model of CCH that was based on bilateral common carotid artery occlusion and investigated the therapeutic effects of resveratrol and its detailed mechanism of action. We evaluated neurological deficit scores and performed the Morris water maze test, hematoxylin and eosin staining, TUNEL staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and Western blot. Resveratrol reduced neurological deficit scores in CCH rats and reduced pathological damage in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. Resveratrol activated autophagy and inhibited the expression of AKT/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway-related proteins. Treatment with a phosphoinositide-3 kinase inhibitor reversed the protective effect of resveratrol. These findings suggest that resveratrol improves cognitive function in a rat model of CCH and reduces oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage in the frontal cortex and hippocampus by activating autophagy and inhibiting neuronal apoptosis. These effects may be regulated by the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.