Resveratrol and vitamin D: significant potential interpretative problems arising from their mutual processes, interactions and effects

The hypothesis is formulated and presented that resveratrol and vitamin D have important mutual processes, interactions and induced effects that if not taken into account could seriously jeopardize the interpretation of their current and future preclinical, epidemiological and clinical studies. In support of this hypothesis, evidence is presented that resveratrol and vitamin D mutually share some of the same biochemical processes and mechanisms as well as the fact that they can each affect some of the same diseases and maladies.

Hormesis, resveratrol and plant-derived polyphenols: some comments

Hormesis is a dose–response phenomenon, usually present in plants and animals, characterized by a low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition, often resulting in typical U-shaped or J-shaped curves. Hormesis has become an interesting model for toxicology and risk assessment, as it has been described for several nature-derived phytochemicals but also because this adaptive response to stressors might hide an underlying more general behaviour of cell towards low doses.

Dose response biology: the case of resveratrol

Resveratrol often displays hormesis-like biphasic dose responses. This occurs in a broad range of biological models and for numerous endpoints of biomedical interest and public health concern. Recognition of the widespread occurrence of the hormetic nature of many of the responses of resveratrol is important on multiple levels. It can help optimize study design protocols by investigators, create a dose-response framework for better addressing dose-related biological complexities and assist in the development of public health and medical guidance with respect to considerations for what is an optimal dose not just for an agent such as resveratrol, but also for the plethora of agents that also act via hormetic mechanisms.