Resveratrol and cancer treatment: updates

Resveratrol mediated the proliferation and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells by modulating the PI3K/Akt/P53 signaling pathway

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer effects of resveratrol (RES) against gastric cancer (GC) and explore the potential mechanisms. We first measured the anti-cancer effects of RES on GC cell lines (i.e. AGS and HGC-27). Then protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, followed by GO and KEGG analysis to screen the possible targets. Molecular docking analysis was given to visualize the pharmacological effects of RES on GC cell lines. For the in vivo experiments, xenograft tumor model was established, and Western blot analysis was performed to determine the expression of protein screened by network pharmacology. Our results showed that RES could promote the apoptosis of GC cells. Five hub targets were identified by network pharmacology, including AKT1, TP53, JUN, ESR1 and MAPK14. GO and KEGG analyses revealed the PI3K/Akt/P53 signaling pathway was the most related signaling pathway. Molecular docking analysis indicated that RES could form 3 hydrogen bonds with AKT1 and 3 hydrogen bonds with TP53. The inhibitory effects of RES on the proliferation and promoting effects of RES on the apoptosis of AGS and HGC-27 cells were significantly reversed when blocking the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway using the LY294002. In vivo results showed that RES induced significant decrease of tumor volume and tumor weight without changing the body weight, or inducing significant cytotoxicities. Western blot analysis proved that RES could induce down-regulation of p-Akt and up-regulation of P53 in vivo. In conclusion, RES showed anti-cancer effects in GC by regulating the PI3K/Akt/P53 signaling pathway.

In vivo modification of the enamel pellicle and saliva resveratrol levels after use of resveratrol-containing orodispersible capsules

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate in vivo 1) the bioavailability of trans-resveratrol when administered through sublingual capsules; 2) the effect of resveratrol on the protein composition of the acquired enamel pellicle (AEP).

DESIGN

Ten volunteers received a sublingual capsule containing 50 mg of trans-resveratrol. Unstimulated saliva was then collected after 0, 30, 60, and 120 min and AEP was collected after 120 min following administration of the capsule. In the next week, the volunteers received a placebo sublingual capsule, and saliva and AEP were collected again. Saliva samples were analyzed for free trans-resveratrol using high-performance liquid chromatopgraphy (HPLC), and AEP samples were subjected to proteomic analysis (nLC-ESI-MS/MS).

RESULTS

Trans-resveratrol was detected in saliva at all the time points evaluated, with the peak at 30 min. A total of 242 proteins were identified in both groups. Ninety-six proteins were increased and 23 proteins were decreased in the Resveratrol group. Among the up-regulated proteins, isoforms of cystatins, PRPs, Mucin-7, Histatin-1, Lactotrasnferrin and Lysozyme-C were increased and the isoforms of Protein S100, Neutrophil defensins, Albumin, PRPs, and, Statherin were decreased in Resveratrol group.

CONCLUSION

The sublingual capsule is effective at increasing the bioavailability of trans-resveratrol in saliva. Several proteins involved in important processes to maintain systemic and oral health homeostasis were identified. These proteins differently expressed due to the presence of trans-resveratrol deserve attention for future studies, since they have important functions, mainly related to antimicrobial action.

A review on phytochemicals as combating weapon for multidrug resistance in cancer

One can recognize multidrug resistance (MDR) and residue as a biggest difficulty in cancer specialist. Chemotherapy-resistant cancer may be successfully treated by combining MDR-reversing phytochemicals with anticancer drugs. Though, clinical application of phytochemicals either alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy is still in its early stages or requires more research to determine their safety and efficacy. In this review we highlighted topics related to MDR in cancer, including an introduction to subject, mechanism of action of efflux pump, specific proteins involved in drug resistance, altered drug targets, increased drug metabolism, and potential role of phytochemicals in overcoming drug resistance.

Harnessing the capacity of phytochemicals to enhance immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy of cancers: A focus on brain malignancies

Brain cancers, particularly glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are challenging health issues with frequent unmet aspects. Today, discovering safe and effective therapeutic modalities for brain tumors is among the top research interests. Immunotherapy is an emerging area of investigation in cancer treatment. Since immune checkpoints play fundamental roles in repressing anti-cancer immunity, diverse immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been developed, and some monoclonal antibodies have been approved clinically for particular cancers; nevertheless, there are significant concerns regarding their efficacy and safety in brain tumors. Among the various tools to modify the immune checkpoints, phytochemicals show good effectiveness and excellent safety, making them suitable candidates for developing better ICIs. Phytochemicals regulate multiple immunological checkpoint-related signaling pathways in cancer biology; however, their efficacy for clinical cancer immunotherapy remains to be established. Here, we discussed the involvement of immune checkpoints in cancer pathology and summarized recent advancements in applying phytochemicals in modulating immune checkpoints in brain tumors to highlight the state-of-the-art and give constructive prospects for future research.

A new role for resveratrol: Protection of enamel against erosion

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different concentrations of resveratrol in protecting enamel against initial dental erosion in vitro.

METHODS

Ninety bovine enamel samples (4 × 4 mm) were divided into six groups: Phosphate buffered saline (negative control; PBS), Commercial solution (Elmex Erosion Protection™; positive control) and resveratrol at 4 different concentrations (1, 10, 100 or 400 µg/mL). Initially, the samples were incubated in saliva for the formation of the acquired pellicle (250 µL, 1 h, 37 °C, 250 rpm). Afterward, the samples were incubated in the respective treatments (250 µL, 1 min, 37 °C, 250 rpm) and then reincubated in saliva (250 µL, 1 h, 37 °C, 250 rpm). Finally, the samples were subjected to an erosive challenge by incubating in 1 % citric acid (1 mL, pH 3.5, 1 min, 25 °C, 250 rpm). The percentage surface microhardness change (% SMC) was assessed using a microhardness tester. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The treatments with Elmex™ and resveratrol (1, 10 and 100 µg/mL) significantly protected enamel compared to the negative control, without significant differences among them. However, the group treated with the highest resveratrol concentration (400 µg/mL) did not show a significant difference from the negative control.

CONCLUSIONS

Resveratrol at concentrations ranging from 1 to 100 µg/ml was effective in preventing loss of enamel surface microhardness.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This result suggests a potential new direction for the development of dental products based on resveratrol for the prevention of dental erosion.

Advances and prospects of natural dietary polyphenols as G-quadruplex stabilizers in biomedical applications

G-quadruplexes (G4s) have arrested continuous interest in cancer research, and targeting G4s with small molecules has become an ideal approach for drug development. Plant-based dietary polyphenols have attracted much attention for their remarkable anti-cancer effects. Studies have suggested that polyphenols exhibit interesting scaffolds to bind G4s, which can effectively downregulate the proto-oncogenes by stabilizing those G4 structures. Therefore, this review not only summarizes studies on natural dietary polyphenols (including analogs) as G4 stabilizers, but also reveals their anti-cancer activities. Furthermore, the structural and antioxidant insights of polyphenols with G4s are discussed, and future development is proposed. These insights may pave the way for the development of the next generation of anti-cancer drugs targeting nucleic acids.

Resveratrol alleviates amyloid β-induced neuronal apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress by circ_0050263/miR-361-3p/PDE4A axis during Alzheimer's disease

Resveratrol (Res) has been identified to reduce neurodegeneration. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable noncoding RNAs that are considered to be ideal biomarkers for molecular targeting treatment. Here, this study focused on investigating the function and relationship of circ_0050263 and Res in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH was exposed to amyloid-β (Aβ) to induce AD cell model in vitro. Cell viability, apoptosis, and inflammatory reaction were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometery, and ELISA analysis. The oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) were determined by detecting related markers. Levels of genes and proteins were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was adopted to verify the binding between miR-361-3p and circ_0050263 or PDE4A (Phosphodiesterase 4A). Subsequently, we found that Res treatment alleviated Aβ-induced apoptosis, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and ERS in SK-N-SH cells. Circ_0050263 is a stable circRNA, which was increased by Aβ, but decreased by Res in SK-N-SH cells. Circ_0050263 overexpression reversed Res-induced neuroprotective effects. Mechanistically, circ_0050263 acted as a sponge for miR-361-3p, which targeted PDE4A. Circ_0050263 silencing abated Aβ-induced neuronal injury, which were counteracted by following PDE4A overexpression. Moreover, PDE4A upregulation could attenuate Res-mediated neuroprotective effects. In all, Res alleviated Aβ-induced neuronal apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and ERS via circ_0050263/miR-361-3p/PDE4A axis, providing new insights for AD therapy.

Dual inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) by resveratrol derivatives in cancer therapy: in silico approach

In a number of human cancers, both cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) are up-regulated and co-expressed, promoting cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a natural polyphenolic phytoalexin found in a variety of plants that influences various signal-transduction pathways which control apoptosis, cell growth and cell division, metastasis, angiogenesis and inflammation, and has an impact on cancer stages ranging from initiation to progression. In this work, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation method are employed to design resveratrol derivatives for COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes. By attaching several functional groups on four different places of the resveratrol scaffold, the R group enumeration approach was employed to build four libraries of resveratrol derivatives. Thus, R group enumeration is done to focus on the enhancement of potency of compounds and other chemical characteristics like solubility. Drug-like filters such as REOS 1, 2, 3 and PAINS were applied to the libraries, generating a total of 5557 compounds. Drug-like filters such as REOS and PAINS-1, 2 and 3 were applied to the libraries, generating a total of 5557 compounds. All of these compounds were docked with both enzymes using the Glide SP and XP docking methods. Enrichment calculations were performed using 40 compounds from XP docking along with resveratrol, and 1000 decoy compounds from the DUD-E database to validate the docking protocol. The stability of the complexes was further studied using molecular dynamics simulation, radius of gyration, MM/GBSA, H bond monitoring and electrostatic potential surface (EPS). ADMET properties of compounds were studied using SwissADME and pkCSM server.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The mechanism of trans-δ-viniferin inhibiting the proliferation of lung cancer cells A549 by targeting the mitochondria

Trans-δ-viniferin (TVN), as a natural extract, is a resveratrol dimer with attractive biological activities, particularly its anti-tumor character. However, the mechanism of TVN interfering with cancerous proliferation has not been fully understood. Herein in this study, we found that TVN could trigger cancerous mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) reduction, with intracellular reactive oxidative species (ROS) level increasing, leading to apoptosis, which makes TVN a promising candidate for lung cancer cells A549 treatment. Therefore, this study provides TVN as an option to meet the demand for higher antitumor availability with lower biotoxicity and other clinical applications.

A review of bismuth-based nanoparticles and their applications in radiosensitising and dose enhancement for cancer radiation therapy

About 50% of cancer patients receive radiation therapy. Despite the therapeutic benefits of this method, the toxicity of radiation in the normal tissues is unavoidable To improve the quality of radiation therapy, in addition to other methods such as IMRT, IGRT, and high radiation dose, nanoparticles have shown excellent potential when ionising radiation is applied to the target volume. Recently, bismuth-based nanoparticles (BiNPs) have become particularly popular in radiation therapy due to their high atomic numbers (Z), high X-ray attenuation coefficient, low toxicity, and low cost. Moreover, it is easy to synthesise in a variety of sizes and shapes. This study aimed to review the effects of the bismuth-based NP and its combination with other compounds, and their potential synergies in radiotherapy, discussed based on their physical, chemical, and biological interactions. Targeted and non-targeted bismuth-based NPs used in radiotherapy as radiosensitizers and dose enhancement effects are described. The results reported in the literature were categorised into various groups. Also, this review has highlighted the importance of bismuth-based NPs in different forms of cancer treatment to find the highest efficiency for applying them as a suitable candidate for various cancer therapy and future clinical applications.

Resveratrol inhibits glioblastoma cells and chemoresistance progression through blockade P-glycoprotein and targeting AKT/PTEN signaling pathway

Malignant gliomas have been categorized as a debilitating class of brain tumors that are resistant to radiation and chemotherapeutic drugs, and have a poor prognosis. Hyper-activation of PI3K/AKT pathway and overexpression of p-glycoprotein transporter contributes to enhanced glioblastoma survival and chemoresistance. Resveratrol which possibly inhibits PI3K pathway, has been thus investigated for a potential therapeutic role in glioma. In the present study, the effect of resveratrol on human U87MG and doxorubicin-resistant glioblastoma cells (U87MG/DOX) survival evaluated by MTT. The ability of resveratrol to overcome doxorubicin resistance in glioblastoma cells was also explored with Rhodamines 123 uptake and ELISA assays. Resveratrol reduced cell survival in a PTEN and P53-dependent manner which was an effect associated with the inhibition of PI3K signaling pathway and via the activation of P-glycoprotein. Our finding showed that resveratrol, as a glioblastoma cell growth inhibitor and chemosensitizer, could be promising if used in the treatment of brain cancer. Resveratrol inhibits the progression of glioblastoma cells and reverses chemoresistance by upregulating PTEN, and suppressing AKT and P-glycoprotein. Targeting PTEN with resveratrol may offer a novel therapeutic approach for the chemo-sensitization of glioblastoma cells.

Unraveling the Peculiar Features of Mitochondrial Metabolism and Dynamics in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in Western countries. Mitochondria, the "powerhouse" of cells, undergo distinctive metabolic and structural dynamics in different types of cancer. PCa cells experience peculiar metabolic changes during their progression from normal epithelial cells to early-stage and, progressively, to late-stage cancer cells. Specifically, healthy cells display a truncated tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and inefficient oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) due to the high accumulation of zinc that impairs the activity of m-aconitase, the enzyme of the TCA cycle responsible for the oxidation of citrate. During the early phase of cancer development, intracellular zinc levels decrease leading to the reactivation of m-aconitase, TCA cycle and OXPHOS. PCa cells change their metabolic features again when progressing to the late stage of cancer. In particular, the Warburg effect was consistently shown to be the main metabolic feature of late-stage PCa cells. However, accumulating evidence sustains that both the TCA cycle and the OXPHOS pathway are still present and active in these cells. The androgen receptor axis as well as mutations in mitochondrial genes involved in metabolic rewiring were shown to play a key role in PCa cell metabolic reprogramming. Mitochondrial structural dynamics, such as biogenesis, fusion/fission and mitophagy, were also observed in PCa cells. In this review, we focus on the mitochondrial metabolic and structural dynamics occurring in PCa during tumor development and progression; their role as effective molecular targets for novel therapeutic strategies in PCa patients is also discussed.

Resveratrol Derivative Exhibits Marked Antiproliferative Actions, Affecting Stemness in Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest malignancies, with an increasing incidence and limited response to current therapeutic options. Therefore, more effective and low-toxic agents are needed to improve PC patients' outcomes. Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol with multiple biological properties, including anticancer effects. In this study, we explored the antiproliferative activities of newly synthetized RSV analogues in a panel of PC cell lines and evaluated the physicochemical properties of the most active compound. This derivative exhibited marked antiproliferative effects in PC cells through mechanisms involving DNA damage, apoptosis induction, and interference in cell cycle progression, as assessed using flow cytometry and immunoblot analysis of cell cycle proteins, PARP cleavage, and H2AX phosphorylation. Notably, the compound induced a consistent reduction in the PC cell subpopulation with a CD133⁺EpCAM⁺ stem-like phenotype, paralleled by dramatic effects on cell clonogenicity. Moreover, the RSV derivative had negligible toxicity against normal HFF-1 cells and, thus, good selectivity index values toward PC cell lines. Remarkably, its higher lipophilicity and stability in human plasma, as compared to RSV, might ensure a better permeation along the gastrointestinal tract. Our results provide insights into the mechanisms of action contributing to the antiproliferative activity of a synthetic RSV analogue, supporting its potential value in the search for effective and safe agents in PC treatment.

The Anti-Cancer Effects of Mitochondrial-Targeted Triphenylphosphonium-Resveratrol Conjugate on Breast Cancer Cells

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Resveratrol, a naturally occurring phytochemical, shows great promise in developing novel anti-cancer therapies. This study hypothesized that the mitochondria-targeted delivery of resveratrol would increase its potency and induce mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. The targeted delivery of resveratrol was achieved by conjugating resveratrol to triphenylphosphonium (TPP). The anti-cancer effects of TPP-resveratrol were studied in the murine breast cancer 4T1 and the human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Flow cytometry was used to study apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and mitochondrial membrane potential loss. The morphological changes in the mitochondria in MDA-MB-231 cells after TPP-resveratrol treatments were examined using transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, the changes in MDA-MB-231 cell metabolism after resveratrol and TPP-resveratrol treatments were studied using metabolomic analysis. We demonstrate that TPP-resveratrol significantly improved cytotoxicity in 4T1 cells and MDA-MB-231 cells by inducing apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential loss. Swollen and vacuolated mitochondria were observed after the TPP-resveratrol treatment. Meanwhile, TPP-resveratrol treatment down-regulated amino acid and energy metabolism and caused the dysfunction of purine and pyrimidine metabolism. Our results provide evidence supporting the targeted delivery of resveratrol to mitochondria and suggest that TPP-resveratrol may be an effective agent for breast cancer treatment.

Immunomodulatory and Antiaging Mechanisms of Resveratrol, Rapamycin, and Metformin: Focus on mTOR and AMPK Signaling Networks

Aging results from the progressive dysregulation of several molecular pathways and mTOR and AMPK signaling have been suggested to play a role in the complex changes in key biological networks involved in cellular senescence. Moreover, multiple factors, including poor nutritional balance, drive immunosenescence progression, one of the meaningful aspects of aging. Unsurprisingly, nutraceutical and pharmacological interventions could help maintain an optimal biological response by providing essential bioactive micronutrients required for the development, maintenance, and the expression of the immune response at all stages of life. In this regard, many studies have provided evidence of potential antiaging properties of resveratrol, as well as rapamycin and metformin. Indeed, in vitro and in vivo models have demonstrated for these molecules a number of positive effects associated with healthy aging. The current review focuses on the mechanisms of action of these three important compounds and their suggested use for the clinical treatment of immunosenescence and aging.

Resveratrol Enhances the Anti-Cancer Effects of Cis-Platinum on Human Cervical Cancer Cell Lines by Activating the SIRT3 Relative Anti-Oxidative Pathway

Background: Cervical cancer exerts considerable mortality in the world. The combinations of chemotherapy with cis-platinum were the first-line treatment in late-stage cervical cancer but may cause severe adverse effects. Resveratrol (RES, 3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a phytoalexin, and it showed anti-cancer effects but with low toxicity and side effects. Herein, we examined the anti-cancer effects of cis-platinum combined with RES in human cervical cancer cell lines.

Methods: The antiproliferative effect was examined by cell counting and short-term MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was detected. The cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry. Intracellular reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial transmembrane potential change were observed and calculated by confocal microscopy. The Si-RNA interference of SIRT3 in cancer cells was performed. Protein expression was checked by Western blotting.

Results: RES inhibited the growth of SiHa cell lines, and it significantly enhanced the cis-platinum-induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle arresting in 48 h. The activation of the SIRT3 relative anti-oxidative pathway was proved to be the reason for the enhanced anti-cancer effects of cis-platinum and RES combination. Si-RNA interference of SIRT3 compromised the anti-cancer effect of cis-platinum and RES combination. Furthermore, the silencing of SIRT3 RNA inhibited the expression of the anti-oxidant enzyme (MnSOD, GPx, SOD-1, and CAT) and decreased the generation of H₂O₂ in the cis-platinum and RES combination group.

Conclusion: RES enhances the anti-cancer effects of cis-platinum on SiHa cells by activating the SIRT3 relative anti-oxidative pathway. RES may act as a potential synergistic agent and be useful in the treatment of cervical cancer.

Applications of resveratrol in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer

Natural product compounds have lately attracted interest in the scientific community as a possible treatment for gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, due to their anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. There are many preclinical, clinical, and epidemiological studies, suggesting that the consumption of polyphenol compounds, which are abundant in vegetables, grains, fruits, and pulses, may help to prevent various illnesses and disorders from developing, including several GI cancers. The development of GI malignancies follows a well-known path, in which normal gastrointestinal cells acquire abnormalities in their genetic composition, causing the cells to continuously proliferate, and metastasize to other sites, especially the brain and liver. Natural compounds with the ability to affect oncogenic pathways might be possible treatments for GI malignancies, and could easily be tested in clinical trials. Resveratrol is a non-flavonoid polyphenol and a natural stilbene, acting as a phytoestrogen with anti-cancer, cardioprotective, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Resveratrol has been shown to overcome resistance mechanisms in cancer cells, and when combined with conventional anticancer drugs, could sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy. Several new resveratrol analogs and nanostructured delivery vehicles with improved anti-GI cancer efficacy, absorption, and pharmacokinetic profiles have already been developed. This present review focuses on the in vitro and in vivo effects of resveratrol on GI cancers, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms of action.

Metastasis-associated protein 1-mediated antitumor and anticancer activity of dietary stilbenes for prostate cancer chemoprevention and therapy

Dietary bioactive polyphenols that demonstrate beneficial biological functions including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activity hold immense promise as effective and safe chemopreventive and chemosensitizing natural anticancer agents. The underlying molecular mechanisms of polyphenols' multiple effects are complex and these molecules are considered promising targets for chemoprevention and therapy. However, the development of novel personalized targeted chemopreventive and therapeutic strategies is essential for successful therapeutic outcomes. In this review, we highlight the potential of metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1)-targeted anticancer and antitumor effects of three dietary stilbenes, namely resveratrol, pterostilbene, and gnetin C, for prostate cancer management. MTA1, an epigenetic reader and master transcriptional regulator, plays a key role in all stages of prostate cancer progression and metastasis. Stilbenes inhibit MTA1 expression, disrupt the MTA1/histone deacetylase complex, modulate MTA1-associated Epi-miRNAs and reduce MTA1-dependent inflammation, cell survival, and metastasis in prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo. Overall, the MTA1-targeted strategies involving dietary stilbenes may be valuable for effective chemoprevention in selected subpopulations of early stage prostate cancer patients and for combinatorial strategies with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs against advanced metastatic prostate cancer.

Benefits and Implications of Resveratrol Supplementation on Microbiota Modulations: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Resveratrol is a polyphenol that has been shown to possess many applications in different fields of medicine. This systematic review has drawn attention to the axis between resveratrol and human microbiota, which plays a key role in maintaining an adequate immune response that can lead to different diseases when compromised. Resveratrol can also be an asset in new technologies, such as gene therapy. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched to find papers that matched our topic dating from 1 January 2017 up to 18 January 2022, with English-language restriction using the following Boolean keywords: (“resveratrol” AND “microbio*”). Eighteen studies were included as relevant papers matching the purpose of our investigation. Immune response, prevention of thrombotic complications, microbiota, gene therapy, and bone regeneration were retrieved as the main topics. The analyzed studies mostly involved resveratrol supplementation and its effects on human microbiota by trials in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo. The beneficial activity of resveratrol is evident by analyzing the changes in the host’s genetic expression and the gastrointestinal microbial community with its administration. The possibility of identifying individual microbial families may allow to tailor therapeutic plans with targeted polyphenolic diets when associated with microbial dysbiosis, such as inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, degenerative diseases, tumors, obesity, diabetes, bone tissue regeneration, and metabolic syndrome.

Metformin inhibits the tumor-promoting effect of low-dose resveratrol, and enhances the anti-tumor activity of high-dose resveratrol by increasing its reducibility in triple negative breast cancer

Resveratrol, a natural antioxidant that maintains better bioactivity under hypoxia, has anti-tumor effects, but its underlying mechanism is controversial and the effect on Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the anti-TNBC mechanism of resveratrol under a mimic hypoxic tumor microenvironment and explored a method of combining metformin to improve the therapeutic effect. The results showed an inverted "U" shaped relationship between the cell viability and resveratrol concentrations. Low concentrations of resveratrol (LRes) promoted proliferation and migration in MDA-MB-231 cells by activating JAK3/STAT3 signaling pathway, while high concentrations of resveratrol (HRes) inhibited cell growth and induced both autophagy and apoptosis through MAPK signaling pathway. Meanwhile, HRes treatment resulted in the up-regulation of antioxidant-related genes SOD3 and FAM213B, the increase of catalase activity and NAD(P)H level, which leading to a reducing microenvironment in cells. Notably, metformin could inhibit the proliferation and migration induced by LRes, whereas promote apoptosis induced by HRes. Moreover, metformin enhanced the reducing environment via further increasing the catalase activity and NAD(P)H level. These findings conclude the anti-TNBC mechanism of HRes should be attributed to its antioxidant activity and metformin enhances its reducibility. Metformin combined with resveratrol exerts a synergistic therapeutic effect on TNBC and effectively prevents tumor progression.

Antitumoral Action of Resveratrol Through Adenosinergic Signaling in C6 Glioma Cells

Gliomas are the most common and aggressive primary tumors in the central nervous system. The nucleoside adenosine is considered to be one major constituent within the tumor microenvironment. The adenosine level mainly depends on two enzymatic activities: 5′-nucleotidase (5′NT or CD73) that synthesizes adenosine from AMP, and adenosine deaminase (ADA) that converts adenosine into inosine. Adenosine activates specific G-protein coupled receptors named A₁, A_2A, A_2B, and A₃ receptors. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol present in grapes, peanuts, and berries, shows several healthy effects, including protection against cardiovascular, endocrine, and neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms of resveratrol actions are not well known. Recently, we demonstrated that resveratrol acts as an agonist for adenosine receptors in rat C6 glioma cells. The present work aimed to investigate the involvement of adenosine metabolism and adenosine receptors in the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumoral action of resveratrol. Results presented herein show that resveratrol was able to decrease cell numbers and viability and to reduce CD73 and ADA activities, leading to the increase of extracellular adenosine levels. Some resveratrol effects were reduced by the blockade of A₁ or A₃ receptors by DPCPX or MRS1220, respectively. These results suggest that reduced CD73 activity located in the plasma membrane in addition to a fine-tuned modulatory role of adenosine receptors could be involved, at least in part, in the antiproliferative action of resveratrol in C6 glioma cells.

Resveratrol-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticle for tumor-targeted therapy of gastric cancer

Resveratrol (Res) has been shown to exhibit anti-cancer properties in gastric cancer. However, its clinical application is limited by its poor pharmacokinetics, stability, and low solubility. Hence, this study aimed to explore and verify a better delivery system for gastric cancer therapy. Using transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and ultraviolet (UV) spectrometry, we observed the shape and encapsulation of resveratrol-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-Res) that were synthesized by chemical methods. To explore the anti-cancer effects of these MSN-Res in vivo and in vitro, we established AGS and HGC-27 tumor-bearing mouse models. Meanwhile, the proliferation of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8, EdU, and Ki-67 immunohistochemical staining methods, while cellular apoptosis, and invasion and migration were detected by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and Transwell assays, respectively. FTIR and UV results showed that we successfully synthesized and loaded drugs. Safety evaluation experiments showed that neither MSN-SH nor MSN-Res had toxic effects on the normal tissues of animals. Moreover, in vitro experiments revealed that MSN-Res significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, TUNEL assay showed that MSN-Res promoted apoptosis in gastric cancer. These results were confirmed by the nude mouse tumorigenesis experiment. In conclusion, we demonstrated that MSN-Res showed better inhibitory effect on the development of gastric cancer than Res alone, indicating that MSN-Res could be a promising drug delivery system for gastric cancer treatment.

Formulation design, optimization and in vivo evaluation of oral co-encapsulated resveratrol-humic acid colloidal polymeric nanocarriers

The study aims at formulation and optimization of resveratrol and humic acid co-encapsulated colloidal polymeric nanocarriers to improve stability, oral bioavailability, and antiradical activity of water-insoluble, resveratrol. The eudragit E100 polymeric material was used to fabricate resveratrol and humic acid co-encapsulated oral colloidal polymeric nanocarriers (Res-HA-co-CPNs) using emulsification-diffusion-evaporation method. Taguchi orthogonal array design was employed to check the effect of formulation factors on in vitro physicochemical characteristics. The optimized formulation was further evaluated for oral bioavailability as well as for antiradical potential. Optimized Res-HA-co-CPNs demonstrated spherical and smooth surface including mean particle size, 120.56 ± 18.8 nm; polydispersity index, 0.122; zeta potential, +38.25 mV; and entrapment efficiency, 82.37 ± 1.49%. Solid-state characterization confirmed the amorphous characteristic of optimized Res-HA-co-CPNs. In vitro release profile of Res-HA-co-CPNs showed sustained release behavior up to 48 h and CPNs were found to remain stable at the refrigerated condition for 6 months. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies revealed significant (p < 0.05) improvement of ∼62.76-fold in oral bioavailability. The radical-scavenging activity was found to be increased with time and after 72 h, it was analogous to pure Res. IC₅₀ values were reported to be decreased with time. Henceforth, developed Res-HA-co-CPNs was proven to be a proficient dosage form to increase stability, oral bioavailability, and antiradical activity of resveratrol.HighlightsResveratrol-humic acid co-encapsulated colloidal polymeric nanocarriers (Res-HA-co-CPNs) were fabricated by emulsification-diffusion-evaporation method and optimized by Taguchi orthogonal array design.The Res-HA-co-CPNs revealed favorable mean particle size and percent encapsulation efficiency with a spherical and smooth surface.The Res-HA-co-CPNs showed diffusion-controlled release of Res and were found to be stable at the refrigerated condition for 6 months.The optimized Res-HA-co-CPNs demonstrated significantly (p < 0.05) higher oral bioavailability with respect to pure Res and PM.The optimized Res-HA-co-CPNs demonstrated higher radical-scavenging activity with respect to time.

Synthesis and Testing of Novel Isomeric Mitochondriotropic Derivatives of Resveratrol and Quercetin

Resveratrol and quercetin are among the most studied plant polyphenols, and have many health-promoting actions. Strategies to accumulate them into mitochondria may be of therapeutic relevance, since these compounds are redox active and are well known to impact mitochondria and mitochondrial proteins. We report here the procedures to synthesize mitochondria-targeted resveratrol and quercetin derivatives; the synthetic strategies reported are however expected to be adaptable to other polyphenols with similar reactivity at the phenolic hydroxyls. Mitochondrial targeting can be achieved by conjugation with triphenylphosphonium , a lipophilic cation; this was linked via a butyl spacer forming an ether bond with one of the phenolic oxygens. The first step toward the synthesis of all mitochondriotropic derivatives described in this work is the production of a regiospecific -(4-O-chlorobutyl) derivative. Triphenylphosphonium (P⁺Ph₃I^-) is then introduced through two consecutive nucleophilic substitution steps: -Cl → -I → -P⁺Ph₃I^-. Pure mono-substituted chlorobutyl regioisomers are obtained by purification from the reaction mixture in the case of resveratrol , while specific protection strategies are required for quercetin to favor alkylation of one specific hydroxyl.Functionalization of the remaining hydroxyls can be exploited to modulate the physicochemical properties of the derivatives (i.e., water solubility, affinity for cell membranes); we report here synthetic protocols to obtain acetylated and methylated analogs.A brief description of some methods to assess the accumulation of the derivatives in mitochondria is also given; the proposed techniques are the use of a TPP ⁺-selective electrode (with isolated rat liver mitochondria ) and fluorescence microscopy (with cultured cells).

Natural Product-Based Hybrids as Potential Candidates for the Treatment of Cancer: Focus on Curcumin and Resveratrol

One of the main current strategies for cancer treatment is represented by combination chemotherapy. More recently, this strategy shifted to the "hybrid strategy", namely the designing of a new molecular entity containing two or more biologically active molecules and having superior features compared with the individual components. Moreover, the term "hybrid" has further extended to innovative drug delivery systems based on biocompatible nanomaterials and able to deliver one or more drugs to specific tissues or cells. At the same time, there is an increased interest in plant-derived polyphenols used as antitumoral drugs. The present review reports the most recent and intriguing research advances in the development of hybrids based on the polyphenols curcumin and resveratrol, which are known to act as multifunctional agents. We focused on two issues that are particularly interesting for the innovative chemical strategy involved in their development. On one hand, the pharmacophoric groups of these compounds have been used for the synthesis of new hybrid molecules. On the other hand, these polyphenols have been introduced into hybrid nanomaterials based on gold nanoparticles, which have many potential applications for both drug delivery and theranostics in chemotherapy.

Inflammation and tumor progression: signaling pathways and targeted intervention

Cancer development and its response to therapy are regulated by inflammation, which either promotes or suppresses tumor progression, potentially displaying opposing effects on therapeutic outcomes. Chronic inflammation facilitates tumor progression and treatment resistance, whereas induction of acute inflammatory reactions often stimulates the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) and antigen presentation, leading to anti-tumor immune responses. In addition, multiple signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT), toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways, cGAS/STING, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK); inflammatory factors, including cytokines (e.g., interleukin (IL), interferon (IFN), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α), chemokines (e.g., C-C motif chemokine ligands (CCLs) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligands (CXCLs)), growth factors (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β), and inflammasome; as well as inflammatory metabolites including prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxane, and specialized proresolving mediators (SPM), have been identified as pivotal regulators of the initiation and resolution of inflammation. Nowadays, local irradiation, recombinant cytokines, neutralizing antibodies, small-molecule inhibitors, DC vaccines, oncolytic viruses, TLR agonists, and SPM have been developed to specifically modulate inflammation in cancer therapy, with some of these factors already undergoing clinical trials. Herein, we discuss the initiation and resolution of inflammation, the crosstalk between tumor development and inflammatory processes. We also highlight potential targets for harnessing inflammation in the treatment of cancer.

Resveratrol Modulation of Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Response to Cisplatin in Head and Neck Cancer Cell Lines

In head and neck cancers, the effectiveness of cisplatin (CisPt) treatment is limited by its toxicity, especially when higher doses are necessary, and the possible occurrence of cisplatin resistance. This study evaluated the effects of resveratrol (RSV) on the expression of different genes involved in the response of human tumor cells (FaDu, PE/CA-PJ49) to cisplatin therapy. Our results revealed that RSV induced apoptosis amplification in both FaDu and PE/CA-PJ49 cells and modulated the expression of specific genes differently than in normal HaCaT cells. In FaDu cells, combined CisPt + RSV treatment induced an increase in apoptosis, which was associated with an increase in c-MYC and TP53 and a decrease in BCL-2 expression. While CisPt + RSV treatment induced apoptosis in PE/CA-PJ49 cells by inhibition of BCL-2 associated with high levels of MDM-2 and subsequently led to inhibition of TP53 gene expression. Decreased c-MYC expression in PE/CA-PJ49 treated with CisPt + RSV was accompanied by cell cycle blockage in G0/G1 phase. In conclusion, RSV influences tumor cell response to CisPt by inducing apoptosis and modulating gene expression. In addition, in normal HaCaT cells, RSV was able to reduce the harmful effects of CisPt.

Natural Compounds as Metabolic Modulators of the Tumor Microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a heterogenous assemblage of malignant and non-malignant cells, including infiltrating immune cells and other stromal cells, together with extracellular matrix and a variety of soluble factors. This complex and dynamic milieu strongly affects tumor differentiation, progression, immune evasion, and response to therapy, thus being an important therapeutic target. The phenotypic and functional features of the various cell types present in the TME are largely dependent on their ability to adopt different metabolic programs. Hence, modulating the metabolism of the cells in the TME, and their metabolic crosstalk, has emerged as a promising strategy in the context of anticancer therapies. Natural compounds offer an attractive tool in this respect as their multiple biological activities can potentially be harnessed to ‘(re)-educate’ TME cells towards antitumoral roles. The present review discusses how natural compounds shape the metabolism of stromal cells in the TME and how this may impact tumor development and progression.

Resveratrol induces AMPK and mTOR signaling inhibition-mediated autophagy and apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells

Resveratrol, a natural compound extracted from the skins of grapes, berries, or other fruits, has been shown to have anti-tumor effects against multiple myeloma (MM) via promoting apoptosis and inhibiting cell viability. In addition to apoptosis, autophagy also plays a significant role in anti-tumor effects. However, whether autophagy is involved in anti-MM activity of resveratrol remains unclear. In this study, human MM cell lines U266, RPMI-8226, and NCI-H929 were treated with resveratrol. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and colony formation assay were used to measure cell viability. Western blot analysis was used to detect apoptosis- and autophagy-associated proteins. 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) was applied to inhibit autophagy. Results showed that resveratrol inhibited cell viability and colony formation via promoting apoptosis and autophagy in MM cell lines U266, RPMI-8226, and NCI-H929. Resveratrol promoted apoptosis-related proteins, Caspase-3 activating poly-ADP-ribose polymerase and Caspase-3 cleavage, and decreased the protein level of Survivin in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, resveratrol upregulated the levels of LC3 and Beclin1 in a dose-dependent way, indicating that autophagy might be implicated in anti-MM effect of resveratrol. Furthermore, 3-MA relieved the cytotoxicity of resveratrol by blocking the autophagic flux. Resveratrol increased the phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase and decreased the phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and its downstream substrates p70S6K and 4EBP1 in a dose-dependent manner, leading to autophagy. Therefore, our results suggest that resveratrol exerts anti-MM effects through apoptosis and autophagy, which can be used as a new therapeutic strategy for MM in clinic.

Resveratrol as an Adjuvant for Normal Tissues Protection and Tumor Sensitization

Cancer is one of the most complicated diseases in present-day medical science. Yearly, several studies suggest various strategies for preventing carcinogenesis. Furthermore, experiments for the treatment of cancer with low side effects are ongoing. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy are the most common non-invasive strategies for cancer treatment. One of the most challenging issues encountered with these modalities is low effectiveness, as well as normal tissue toxicity for chemo-radiation therapy. The use of some agents as adjuvants has been suggested to improve tumor responses and also alleviate normal tissue toxicity. Resveratrol, a natural flavonoid, has attracted a lot of attention for the management of both tumor and normal tissue responses to various modalities of cancer therapy. As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, in vitro and in vivo studies show that it is able to mitigate chemo-radiation toxicity in normal tissues. However, clinical studies to confirm the usage of resveratrol as a chemo-radioprotector are lacking. In addition, it can sensitize various types of cancer cells to both chemotherapy drugs and radiation. In recent years, some clinical studies suggested that resveratrol may have an effect on inducing cancer cell killing. Yet, clinical translation of resveratrol has not yielded desirable results for the combination of resveratrol with radiotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. In this paper, we review the potential role of resveratrol for preserving normal tissues and sensitization of cancer cells in combination with different cancer treatment modalities.

Nutraceuticals: Transformation of Conventional Foods into Health Promoters/Disease Preventers and Safety Considerations

Nutraceuticals are essential food constituents that provide nutritional benefits as well as medicinal effects. The benefits of these foods are due to the presence of active compounds such as carotenoids, collagen hydrolysate, and dietary fibers. Nutraceuticals have been found to positively affect cardiovascular and immune system health and have a role in infection and cancer prevention. Nutraceuticals can be categorized into different classes based on their nature and mode of action. In this review, different classifications of nutraceuticals and their potential therapeutic activity, such as anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-lipid activity in disease will be reviewed. Moreover, the different mechanisms of action of these products, applications, and safety upon consumers including current trends and future prospect of nutraceuticals will be included.

Resveratrol and Its Analogs: Potent Agents to Reverse Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Tumors

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a complicated program through which polarized epithelial cells acquire motile mesothelial traits, is regulated by tumor microenvironment. EMT is involved in tumor progression, invasion and metastasis via reconstructing the cytoskeleton and degrading the tumor basement membrane. Accumulating evidence shows that resveratrol, as a non-flavonoid polyphenol, can reverse EMT and inhibit invasion and migration of human tumors via diverse mechanisms and signaling pathways. In the present review, we will summarize the detailed mechanisms and pathways by which resveratrol and its analogs (e.g. Triacetyl resveratrol, 3,5,4'-Trimethoxystilbene) might regulate the EMT process in cancer cells to better understand their potential as novel anti-tumor agents. Resveratrol can also reverse chemoresistance via EMT inhibition and improvement of the antiproliferative effects of conventional treatments. Therefore, resveratrol and its analogs have the potential to become novel adjunctive agents to inhibit cancer metastasis, which might be partly related to their blocking of the EMT process.

Resveratrol sensitizes A549 cells to irradiation damage via suppression of store-operated calcium entry with Orai1 and STIM1 downregulation

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol with multiple positive biofunctions and was found to have potential as a radiosensitizer with an intricate molecular mechanism. Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) is a novel intracellular calcium regulatory pattern that is mainly mediated by iron channels, such as by the stromal interaction molecule (STIM) and calcium release-activated calcium channel protein (Orai) families. SOCE was recently reported to be suppressed via the downregulation of STIM or Orai families for the promotion of tumor cell death induced by resveratrol. In the present study, resveratrol combined with irradiation treatment were found to induce more evident cell damage compared with irradiation treatment alone, as shown with Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and mitochondrial membrane potential detection with rhodamine 123. Additionally, resveratrol combined with irradiation treatment decreased the expression of STIM1 and Orai1, while it had no effects on STIM2, Orai2 and Orai3. Moreover, resveratrol combined with irradiation treatment lead to alleviated thapsigargin-induced SOCE. In addition, overexpression of STIM1 and Orai1 reversed resveratrol-induced SOCE inhibition and reduced death in A549 cells under irradiation. In summary, the present results revealed that resveratrol can significantly enhance the effect of irradiation damage on lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells, and this effect may be mediated by suppression of SOCE with reduced expression of both STIM1 and Orai1.

Resveratrol Mediates the Apoptosis of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells by Reducing POLD1 Expression

Resveratrol (RSV) is known to possess anticancer properties in many types of cancers like breast cancer, in which POLD1 may serve as a potential target. However, the anticancer mechanism of RSV on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains unclear. In the present study, the antitumor effects and mechanism of RSV on TNBC cells were analyzed by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), which was then verified via cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, Western Blot (WB), flow cytometry, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. According to the corresponding findings, the survival rate of MDA-MB-231 cells gradually decreased as RSV treatment concentration increased. The RNA-seq analysis results demonstrated that genes affected by RSV treatment were mainly involved in apoptosis and the p53 signaling pathway. Moreover, apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells induced by RSV was observed to be mainly mediated by POLD1. When treated with RSV, the expression levels of full length PARP1, PCNA, and BCL-2 were found to be significantly reduced, and the expression level of Cleaved-PARP1 as well as Cleaved-Caspase3 increased significantly. Additionally, the mRNA expression of POLD1 was significantly reduced after treatment with RSV, and the protein expression level was also inhibited by RSV in a concentration-dependent manner. The prediction of domain interaction suggested that RSV may bind to at least five functional domains of the POLD1 protein (6s1m, 6s1n, 6s1o, 6tny and 6tnz). Furthermore, after RSV treatment, the anti-apoptotic index (PCNA, BCL-2) of MDA-MB-231 cells was found to decrease while the apoptosis index (caspase3) increased. Moreover, the overexpression of POLD1 reduced the extent of apoptosis observed in MDA-MB-231 cells following RSV treatment. Moreover, animal experimental results showed that RSV had a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of live tumors, while POLD1 overexpression was shown to antagonize this inhibitory effect. Accordingly, this study’s findings reveal that RSV may promote the apoptosis of TNBC cells by reducing the expression of POLD1 to activate the apoptotic pathway, which may serve as a potential therapy for the treatment of TNBC.

Resveratrol and other Stilbenes: Effects on Dysregulated Gene Expression in Cancers and Novel Delivery Systems

Trans-resveratrol (RESV), pterostilbene, trans-piceid and trans-viniferins are bioactive stilbenes present in grapes and other plants. Several groups applied biotechnology to introduce their synthesis in plant crops. Biochemical interaction with enzymes, regulation of non-coding RNAs, and activation of signaling pathways and transcription factors are among the main effects described in literature. However, solubility in ethanol, short half-life, metabolism by gut bacteria, make the concentration responsible for the effects observed in cultured cells difficult to achieve. Derivatives obtained by synthesis, trans-resveratrol analogs and methoxylated stilbenes show to be more stable and allow the synthesis of bioactive compounds with higher bioavailability. However, changes in chemical structure may require testing for toxicity. Thus, the delivery of RESV and its natural analogs incorporated into liposomes or nanoparticles, is the best choice to ensure stability during administration and appropriate absorption. The application of RESV and its derivatives with anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity is presented with description of novel clinical trials.

Resveratrol promotes apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis through regulation of autophagy and the serine-threonine kinase-p53 axis

Introduction

Resveratrol, a polyphenol extracted from many plant species, has emerged as a promising pro-apoptotic agent in various cancer cells. However, the role of resveratrol in cell proliferation and apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA-FLS) is not fully understood. The study was aimed at elucidating the role of resveratrol in cell proliferation and apoptosis of RA-FLS and the underlying molecular mechanism.

Material and methods

Cultured RA-FLSs were subjected to tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α). The cell proliferation was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle of RA-FLSs were determined by flow cytometry. The levels of apoptosis or autophagy or cell cycle-related protein were detected by immunoblot analysis.

Results

In our study, we confirmed that resveratrol reversed TNF-α mediated cell proliferation in RA-FLS. Meanwhile, resveratrol blocked cells at the G2/M stage and reduced the ratio of S phase cells through upregulation of p53 and consequently led to apoptotic cell death. Quite interestingly, we found that resveratrol reversed TNF-α-induced autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy by resveratrol or autophagy inhibitor or Beclin-1 siRNA suppressed TNF-α mediated cell survival and promoted cell apoptosis. However, the autophagy inducer rapamycin (RAPA) reversed the effect of resveratrol on autophagy and cell proliferation. Mechanistic studies revealed that resveratrol inhibited the activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinases/serine-threonine kinase (PI3K/AKT) pathway. Inhibition of PI3K/AKT pathway by inhibitor LY294002 or resveratrol increased the expression of p53 and decreased the expression of cycle protein (cyclin B1), which further led to block cells in the G2/M arrest.

Conclusions

Our preliminary study indicated that resveratrol may suppress RA-FLS cell survival and promote apoptosis at least partly through regulation of autophagy and the AKT-p53 axis.

Decreased drug resistance of bladder cancer using phytochemicals treatment

The aim of the study is to investigate the ability of phytochemicals to overcome the multiple drug resistance (MDR) of bladder cancer. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxic sensitivity of T24-GCB cells, a GCB resistant cell line, to different phytochemicals, including capsaicin, quercetin, curcumin, and resveratrol, and their combination with gemcitabine. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of membranous ABCC2 and metabolic proteins, DCK, TK1, and TK2 in tumor cells. Animal models were used to confirm the treatment efficacy of phytochemicals in combination with gemcitabine to bladder cancer. The observed/expected ratio of cytotoxicity analysis revealed that capsaicin has synergistic effect with gemcitabine to T24-GCB cells in a dose-dependent pattern. Quercetin, curcumin, and resveratrol have additive effect with gemcitabine to T24-GCB cells. Capsaicin and quercetin alone and combination with gemcitabine decreased the expression of ABCC2 and DCK and TKs, in T24-GCB cells. On the contrary, resveratrol and curcumin alone and combination with gemcitabine increased the expression of ABCC2 but decreased cytoplasmic kinases simultaneously. In xenografted subcutaneous tumor model on nude mice, combination treatment of capsaicin and gemcitabine demonstrated the highest tumor suppression effect when compared to capsaicin or gemcitabine treatment alone. The MDR of bladder cancer is closely related to membranous ABCC2, cytoplasmic DCK, and TKs expression. Capsaicin owns the strongest synergistic cytotoxic effect of gemcitabine to T24-GCB cells. This combination regimen may provide as an adjunctive treatment for overcoming MDR in bladder cancer.

Effect of the isoflavone corylin from cullen corylifolium on colorectal cancer growth, by targeting the STAT3 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Corylin is an isoflavone extracted from Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik., which is widely used anti-inflammatory and anticancer in Asian countries. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays an important role in the occurrence and development of CRC.

PURPOSE

To analyze the antitumor activity of corylin in CRC and to elucidate its molecular mechanisms of action.

METHODS

The human CRC cell lines HCT116, RKO, and SW480 and immunodeficient mice were used as models to study the antitumor effect of corylin. The potent anti-proliferative, anti-migration and proapoptotic effects of corylin were observed by cell viability, colony formation assays, wound-healing migration assay, and cell apoptosis assay. Immunostaining analysis and western blot analysis revealed inhibition of the STAT3 signaling axis.

RESULTS

We found that corylin could significantly reduce the viability and stimulate apoptosis in human CRC cells in a dose-dependent manner. Corylin decreased the expression levels of P-STAT3 and STAT3 target proteins, such as myeloid cell leukemia-1(MCL-1), Survivin, VEGF and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2). It also upregulated the expression levels of the proapoptotic proteins BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX) and Cl-caspase 3. Moreover, corylin reduced the nuclear localization of STAT3. Furthermore, corylin inhibited the growth of the tumor in CRC mouse models.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide convincing results that could support the role of corylin in the treatment of CRC through inhibiting the STAT3 pathway. It is conceivable that corylin should be further explored as a unique STAT3 inhibitor in antitumor therapy.

In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Glycation Activity of Resveratrol and Its Novel Triester with Trolox

Resveratrol (RSV) is well known for its many beneficial activities, but its unfavorable physicochemical properties impair its effectiveness after systemic and topical administration; thus, several strategies have been investigated to improve RSV efficacy. With this aim, in this work, we synthesized a novel RSV triester with trolox, an analogue of vitamin E with strong antioxidant activity. The new RSV derivative (RSVTR) was assayed in vitro to evaluate its antioxidant and anti-glycation activity compared to RSV. RSVTR chemical stability was assessed at pH 2.0, 6.8, and 7.2 and different storage temperatures (5 °C, 22 °C, and 37 °C). An influence of pH stronger than that of temperature on RSVTR half-life values was pointed out, and RSVTR greatest stability was observed at pH 7.2 and 5 °C. RSVTR showed a lower antioxidant ability compared to RSV (determined by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay) while its anti-glycation activity (evaluated using the Maillard reaction) was significantly greater than that of RSV. The improved ability to inhibit the glycation process was attributed to a better interaction of RSVTR with albumin owing to its increased topological polar surface area value and H-bond acceptor number compared to RSV. Therefore, RSVTR could be regarded as a promising anti-glycation agent worthy of further investigations.

Resveratrol, Rapamycin and Metformin as Modulators of Antiviral Pathways

Balanced nutrition and appropriate dietary interventions are fundamental in the prevention and management of viral infections. Additionally, accurate modulation of the inflammatory response is necessary to achieve an adequate antiviral immune response. Many studies, both in vitro with mammalian cells and in vivo with small animal models, have highlighted the antiviral properties of resveratrol, rapamycin and metformin. The current review outlines the mechanisms of action of these three important compounds on the cellular pathways involved with viral replication and the mechanisms of virus-related diseases, as well as the current status of their clinical use.

Importance of lipids for upper motor neuron health and disease

Building evidence reveals the importance of maintaining lipid homeostasis for the health and function of neurons, and upper motor neurons (UMNs) are no exception. UMNs are critically important for the initiation and modulation of voluntary movement as they are responsible for conveying cerebral cortex' input to spinal cord targets. To maintain their unique cytoarchitecture with a prominent apical dendrite and a very long axon, UMNs require a stable cell membrane, a lipid bilayer. Lipids can act as building blocks for many biomolecules, and they also contribute to the production of energy. Therefore, UMNs require sustained control over the production, utilization and homeostasis of lipids. Perturbations of lipid homeostasis lead to UMN vulnerability and progressive degeneration in diseases such as hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS). Here, we discuss the importance of lipids, especially for UMNs.

Anticancer activities of TCM and their active components against tumor metastasis

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has the characteristics of multiple targets, slight side effects and good therapeutic effects. Good anti-tumor effects are shown by Traditional Chinese Medicine prescription, Chinese patent medicine, single Traditional Chinese Medicine and Traditional Chinese medicine monomer compound. Clinically, TCM prolonged the survival time of patients and improved the life quality of patients, due to less side effects. Cancer metastasis is a complex process involving numerous steps, multiple genes and their products. During the process of tumor metastasis, firstly, cancer cell increases its proliferative capacity by reducing autophagy and apoptosis, and then the cancer cell capacity is stimulated by increasing the ability of tumors to absorb nutrients from the outside through angiogenesis. Both of the two steps can increase tumor migration and invasion. Finally, the purpose of tumor metastasis is achieved. By inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis of tumor cells, angiogenesis and EMT outside the tumor can inhibit the invasion and migration of cancer, and consequently achieve the purpose of inhibiting tumor metastasis. This review explores the research achievements of Traditional Chinese Medicine on breast cancer, lung cancer, hepatic carcinoma, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer and other cancer metastasis in the past five years, summarizes the development direction of TCM on cancer metastasis research in the past five years and makes a prospect for the future.

MTA1, a Target of Resveratrol, Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Endometriosis via ZEB2

Endometriosis is a benign disease that shares some malignant features. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) plays an important role in various cancers by promoting EMT, yet there are no studies on its function in endometriosis. In the present study, we found that MTA1 was highly expressed in the ectopic endometrium of endometriosis patients and that the expression of MTA1 was related to the revised American Fertility Society stage. MTA1 facilitated endometrial stroma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by inducing EMT, and the promotion function and MTA1 expression were suppressed by resveratrol, a natural polyphenol. Moreover, we revealed that MTA1 induced EMT through interaction with ZEB2. The findings in a mouse endometriosis model further showed that MTA1 and ZEB2 were upregulated in ectopic tissues and that resveratrol inhibited the growth of ectopic lesions and expression of MTA1 and ZEB2. Taken together, we demonstrate that MTA1 is a protein that promotes EMT via interacting with ZEB2 in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, and may be a target of resveratrol.

Resveratrol inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma cells proliferation while promoting apoptosis through inhibition of CBX7 protein

As a natural compound, resveratrol (Res) is confirmed to be promising drug for the treatment of malignant tumors. Therefore, our study aimed to observe the impacts of Res on the proliferation and apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (HSC-3 cells) as well as the mechanism involving chromobox protein homolog 7 (CBX7) signal transduction. HSC-3 cells were treated with Res, Akt agonist (AL3818) and p16 inhibitor (SC79), and transfected with CBX7 mimics and inhibitor plasmids. The CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell proliferation, flow cytometry was performed to assess cell cycle and apoptosis, and cell colonies and histone DNA level were also measured. Western blot analysis was used to determine the expression levels of related proteins. HSC-3 cells showed decreased cell proliferation, colonies, BrdU-counled cells and increased apoptosis, histone DNA level, the activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9 when treated with Res. Western blot analysis revealed elevated Cle-PARP and Cle-caspase 3 expression and reduced t-PARP expression in HSC-3 cells treated with Res compared with control. AL3818 and SC79 could decrease the inhibitory effects of Res on the growth of HSC-3 cells. Furthermore, CBX7 overexpression could also partly reverse the roles of Res in the growth of HSC-3 cells, and Akt and p16 signal transduction. Our results demonstrate that Res suppresses the proliferation, and induces the apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells through the inhibition of CBX7/Akt and the activation of p16 cascades.

Traditional Chinese medicine may be further explored as candidate drugs for pancreatic cancer: A review

Pancreatic cancer is a disease with a high mortality rate. Although survival rates for different types of cancers have improved in recent years, the five-year survival rate of pancreatic cancer stands at 8%. Moreover, the current first-line therapy, gemcitabine, results in low remission rates and is associated with drug resistance problems. Alternative treatments for pancreatic cancer such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy provide marginal remission and survival rates. This calls for the search of more effective drugs or treatments. Traditional Chinese medicine contains numerous bioactive ingredients some of which show activity against pancreatic cancer. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of five types of traditional Chinese medicine monomers. In so-doing, we provide new potential drug candidates for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Influence of Resveratrol on the Cardiovascular Health Effects of Chronic Kidney Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is closely related to chronic kidney disease (CKD), and patients with CKD have a high risk of CVD-related mortality. Traditional CVD risk factors cannot account for the higher cardiovascular risk of patients with CKD, and standard CVD interventions cannot reduce the mortality rates among patients with CKD. Nontraditional factors related to mineral and vitamin-D metabolic disorders provide some explanation for the increased CVD risk. Non-dialyzable toxins, indoxyl sulfate (IS) and p-cresol sulfate (PCS)-produced in the liver by colonic microorganisms-cause kidney and vascular dysfunction. Plasma trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO)-a gut microbe-dependent metabolite of dietary L-carnitine and choline-is elevated in CKD and related to vascular disease, resulting in poorer long-term survival. Therefore, the modulation of colonic flora can improve prospects for patients with CKD. Managing metabolic syndrome, anemia, and abnormal mineral metabolism is recommended for the prevention of CVD in patients with CKD. Considering nontraditional risk factors, the use of resveratrol (RSV), a nutraceutical, can be helpful for patients with CVD and CKD. This paper discusses the beneficial effects of RSV on biologic, pathophysiological and clinical responses, including improvements in intestinal epithelial integrity, modulation of the intestinal microbiota and reduction in hepatic synthesis of IS, PCS and TMAO in patients with CVD and CKD.

The Potential of Phytochemicals in Oral Cancer Prevention and Therapy: A Review of the Evidence

The etiological factors of oral cancer are complex including drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco, betel quid chewing, human papillomavirus infection, and nutritional deficiencies. Understanding the molecular mechanism of oral cancer is vital. The traditional treatment for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (e.g., surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy) and targeted molecular therapy still have numerous shortcomings. In recent years, the use of phytochemical factors to prevent or treat cancer has received increasing attention. These phytochemicals have little or no toxicity against healthy tissues and are thus ideal chemopreventive agents. However, phytochemicals usually have low water solubility, low bioavailability, and insufficient targeting which limit therapeutic use. Numerous studies have investigated the development of phytochemical delivery systems to address these problems. The present article provides an overview of oral cancer including the etiological factors, diagnosis, and traditional therapy. Furthermore, the classification, dietary sources, anticancer bioactivity, delivery system improvements, and molecular mechanisms against oral cancer of phytochemicals are also discussed in this review.