Co-administration of resveratrol rescued lead-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster

Lead toxicity poses a significant environmental concern linked to diverse health issues. This study explores the potential mitigating effects of resveratrol on lead-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Adult fruit flies, aged three days, were orally exposed to lead (60 mg/L), Succimer (10 mg), and varying concentrations of resveratrol (50, 100, and 150 mg). The investigation encompassed the assessment of selected biological parameters, biochemical markers, oxidative stress indicators, and antioxidant enzymes. Resveratrol exhibited a dose-dependent enhancement of egg-laying, eclosion rate, filial generation output, locomotor activity, and life span in D. melanogaster, significantly to 150 mg of diet. Most of the investigated biochemical parameters were significantly rescued in lead-exposed fruit flies when co-treated with resveratrol (p < 0.05). However, oxidative stress remained unaffected by resveratrol. The findings suggest that resveratrol effectively protects against lead toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster and may hold therapeutic potential as an agent for managing lead poisoning in humans.

Cytotoxic Activity of the Red Grape Polyphenol Resveratrol against Human Prostate Cancer Cells: A Molecular Mechanism Mediated by Mobilization of Nuclear Copper and Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species

Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound found primarily in red grapes and pomegranates is known as an antioxidant but can act as a pro-oxidant when copper ions are present. Here, resveratrol is demonstrated to reduce cell growth (as evaluated by MTT assay) and promote apoptosis-like cell death (as measured by Histone/DNA ELISA) in prostate cancer cell lines PC3 and C42B. This effect is effectively inhibited by a copper chelator (neocuproine) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers (thiourea for hydroxyl radical, superoxide dismutase for superoxide anion, and catalase for hydrogen peroxide). These inhibitory effects provide evidence that intracellular copper reacts with resveratrol within cancer cells, resulting in DNA damage via the generation of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that non-tumorigenic epithelial cell lines (MCF-10A) grown in media supplemented with copper are more susceptible to growth inhibition by resveratrol, as confirmed by the observed reduction in cell proliferation. Copper supplementation induces enhanced expression of the copper transporter CTR1 in MCF-10A cells, which is reduced by the addition of resveratrol to the media. The selective cell death of cancer cells generated by copper-mediated and ROS mechanisms may help to explain the anticancer properties of resveratrol.

Revolution of nanotechnology in food packaging: Harnessing electrospun zein nanofibers for improved preservation - A review

Zein, a protein-based biopolymer derived from corn, has garnered attention as a promising and eco-friendly choice for packaging food due to its favorable physical attributes. The introduction of electrospinning technology has significantly advanced the production of zein-based nanomaterials. This cutting-edge technique enables the creation of nanofibers with customizable structures, offering high surface area and adjustable mechanical and thermal attributes. Moreover, the electrospinning process allows for integrating various additives, such as antioxidants, antimicrobial agents, and flavoring compounds, into the zein nanofibers, enhancing their functionalities for food preservation. In this comprehensive review, the various electrospinning techniques employed for crafting zein-based nanofibers, and we delve into their enhanced properties. Furthermore, the review illuminates the potential applications of zein nanofibers in active and intelligent packaging materials by incorporating diverse constituents. Altogether, this review highlights the considerable prospects of zein-based nanocomposites in the realm of food packaging, offering sustainable and innovative solutions for food industry.

Review Deciphering the Anticancer Efficacy of Resveratrol and their Associated Mechanisms in Human Carcinoma

The scientific world has recently shown wider attention to elucidating the anticancerous potential of numerous plant-based bioactive compounds. Many research studies have suggested that consuming foods high in polyphenols, which are present in large amounts in grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits, may delay the onset of various illnesses, including cancer. Normal cells with genetic abnormalities begin the meticulously organized path leading to cancer, which causes the cells to constantly multiply, colonize, and metastasize to other organs like the liver, lungs, colon, and brain. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring stilbene and non-flavonoid polyphenol, a phytoestrogen with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and anticancer properties. Resveratrol makes cancer cells more susceptible to common chemotherapeutic treatments by reversing multidrug resistance in cancer cells. This is especially true when combined with clinically used medications. Several new resveratrol analogs with enhanced anticancer effectiveness, absorption, and pharmacokinetic profile have been discovered. The present emphasis of this review is the modulation of intracellular molecular targets by resveratrol in vivo and in vitro in various malignancies. This review would help future researchers develop a potent lead candidate for efficiently managing human cancers.

The role of resveratrol in diabetes and obesity associated with insulin resistance

Diabetes mellitus is a significant health problem that is caused by chronic hyperglycaemia as a result of inadequate insulin production or ineffective insulin action in the body. In recent years, many new pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies have been developed for improving pancreatic insulin secretion and insulin resistance. Resveratrol is a natural and biologically active stilbenoid polyphenol present in various plant species and has the potential to benefit diabetes. The anti-diabetic actions of resveratrol have also been extensively studied in diabetic human and animal models. Moreover, resveratrol might affect insulin sensitivity by regulating visceral fat derivated adipokine levels. The use of resveratrol in combination with anti-diabetic therapies or alone may have significant potential for the management of diabetes mellitus. This review provides an overview of the anti-diabetic action of resveratrol as well as the possible mechanisms that have an effect on insulin secretion and insulin resistance in diabetics.

Role of PI3K/Akt-Mediated Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway in Resveratrol Alleviation of Zearalenone-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in TM4 Cells

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a common mycotoxin that induces oxidative stress (OS) and affects the male reproductive system in animals. Resveratrol (RSV) has good antioxidant activity and can activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) to protect cells through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effect and the mechanism of RSV on OS and apoptosis in TM4 cells induced by ZEA. Prior to being exposed to ZEA, TM4 cells were pretreated with RSV or the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002. Cell viability was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays. Flow cytometry was used to determine the level of apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The expression of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), caspase-3, BCL2-associated X (Bax)/B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and PI3K/Akt-mediated Nrf2/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) signaling pathway-related proteins was evaluated by Western blotting. Nrf2 siRNA transfection and LY294002 treatment were used to investigate the role of the Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in RSV alleviation of ZEA-induced OS. The results showed that pretreatment with RSV significantly reduced the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and increased cell viability. Catalase (CAT) activity and glutathione (GSH) levels were also increased, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) and ROS levels decreased (p < 0.05). RSV also upregulated Akt phosphorylation, Nrf2 nuclear translocation, and HO-1 expression under conditions of OS (p < 0.05). Transfection with Nrf2 siRNA abolished the protective effects of RSV against ZEA-induced cytotoxicity (p < 0.05), ROS accumulation (p < 0.05), and apoptosis (p < 0.05). LY294002 completely blocked the RSV-mediated increase in Nrf2 nuclear translocation (p < 0.05), HO-1 expression (p < 0.05), and cytoprotective activity (p < 0.05). Collectively, the above findings indicate that RSV can protect against ZEA-induced OS and apoptosis in TM4 cells by PI3K/Akt-mediated activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Protective Effect of Resveratrol on Knee Osteoarthritis and its Molecular Mechanisms: A Recent Review in Preclinical and Clinical Trials

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the progressing chronic joint associated with by many complex factors such as age, obesity, and trauma. Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common type of OA. KOA is characterized by articular cartilage destruction and degeneration, synovial inflammation, and abnormal subchondral bone changes. To date, no practical clinical approach has been able to modify the pathological progression of KOA. Drug therapy is limited to pain control and may lead to serious side effects when taken for a long time. Therefore, searching for safer and more reliable treatments has become necessary. Interestingly, more and more research has focused on natural products, and monomeric compounds derived from natural products have received much attention as drug candidates for KOA treatment. Resveratrol (RES), a natural phenolic compound, has various pharmacological and biological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-apoptotic, and anti-decay. Recently, studies on the effects of RES on maintaining the normal homeostasis of chondrocytes in KOA have received increasing attention, which seems to be attributed to the multi-targeted effects of RES on chondrocyte function. This review summarizes preclinical trials, clinical trials, and emerging tissue engineering studies of RES for KOA and discusses the specific mechanisms by which RES alleviates KOA. A better understanding of the pharmacological role of RES in KOA could provide clinical implications for intervention in the development of KOA.

Effect of VaMyb40 and VaMyb60 Overexpression on Stilbene Biosynthesis in Cell Cultures of Grapevine Vitis amurensis Rupr

Stilbenes are plant defense compounds known to rapidly accumulate in grapevine and some other plant species in response to microbial infection and several abiotic stresses. Stilbenes have attracted considerable attention due to valuable biological effects with multi-spectrum therapeutic application. However, there is a lack of information on natural signaling pathways and transcription factors regulating stilbene biosynthesis. It has been previously shown that MYB R2R3 transcription factor genes VaMyb40 and VaMyb60 were up-regulated in cell cultures of wild-growing grapevine Vitis amurensis Rupr. in response to UV irradiation. In this study, the effects of VaMyb40 or VaMyb60 overexpression in cell cultures of V. amurensis on their capability to produce stilbenes were investigated. Overexpression of the VaMyb60 gene led to a considerable increase in the content of stilbenes in three independently transformed transgenic lines in 5.9–13.9 times, while overexpression of the VaMyb40 gene also increased the content of stilbenes, although to a lesser extent (in 3.4–4.0 times) in comparison with stilbene levels in the empty vector-transformed calli. Stilbene content and stilbene production in the VaMyb60-transgenic calli reached 18.8 mg/g of dry weight (DW) and 150.8 mg/L, respectively. Using HPLC analysis, we detected eight individual stilbenes: t-resveratrol diglucoside, t-piceid, t-resveratrol, ε-viniferin, δ-viniferin, cis-resveratrol, cis-piceid, t-piceatannol. T-resveratrol prevailed over other stilbenoid compounds (53.1–89.5% of all stilbenes) in the VaMyb-overexpressing cell cultures. Moreover, the VaMyb40- and VaMyb60-transformed calli were capable of producing anthocyanins up to 0.035 mg/g DW, while the control calli did not produce anthocyanins. These findings show that the VaMyb40 and VaMyb60 genes positively regulate the stilbene biosynthesis as strong positive transcription regulators and can be used in biotechnological applications for stilbene production or high-quality viticulture and winemaking.

Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activities of Imine Analogs of Trans-Resveratrol towards Murine Neuronal N2a Cells

Trans-resveratrol is a natural polyphenol showing numerous biological properties, especially anti-tumoral and antioxidant activity. Among numerous resveratrol derivatives, aza-stilbenes, which bear an imine bound, show interesting biological activities. In the present study, we synthesized a series of imine analogs of trans-resveratrol (seven aza-stilbenes) following an easy and low-cost procedure of green chemistry. The toxicity of synthesized aza-stilbenes, which is currently unknown, was evaluated on murine neuronal N2a cells, comparatively to trans-resveratrol, by considering: cell density evaluated by staining with sulforhodamine 101; esterase activity, which is a criteria of cell viability, by staining with fluorescein diacetate; and transmembrane mitochondrial potential, which is known to decrease during cell death, by staining with DiOC₆(3) using flow cytometry. In addition, the antioxidant activity was quantified with the KRL (Kit Radicaux Libres) assay, the DPPH (2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) assay and the FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assay. The PAOT (Pouvoir Antioxidant Total) score was also used. The aza-stilbenes provide different cytotoxic and antioxidant activities, which are either higher or lower than those of trans-resveratrol. Based on their cytotoxic and antioxidant characteristics, all synthesized aza-stilbenes are distinguished from trans-resveratrol.

Stilbenes: Characterization, bioactivity, encapsulation and structural modifications. A review of their current limitations and promising approaches

Stilbenes are phenolic compounds naturally synthesized as secondary metabolites by the shikimate pathway in plants. Research on them has increased in recent years due to their therapeutic potential as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cardioprotective and anti-obesity agents. Amongst them, resveratrol has attracted the most attention, although there are other natural and synthesized stilbenes with enhanced properties. However, stilbenes have some physicochemical and pharmacokinetic problems that need to be overcome before considering their applications. Human clinical evidence of their bioactivity is still controversial due to this fact and hence, exhaustive basis science on stilbenes is needed before applied science. This review gathers the main physicochemical and biological properties of natural stilbenes, establishes structure-activity relationships among them, emphasizing the current problems that limit their applications and presenting some promising approaches to overcome these issues: the encapsulation in different agents and the structural modification to obtain novel stilbenes with better features. The bioactivity of stilbenes should move from promising to evident.

Anti-leishmanial effects of resveratrol and resveratrol nanoemulsion on Leishmania major

Background

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease that is endemic in the tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. Low efficacy and high cytotoxicity of the current treatment regimens for leishmaniasis is one of the most important health problems. In this experimental study, anti-leishmanial effects of different concentrations of resveratrol and resveratrol nano-emulsion (RNE) were assessed.

Methods

RNE was prepared using the probe ultra-sonication method. The cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT technique on the L929 cell line. The anti-leishmanial activities on promastigotes of leishmania were assessed using vital staining and infected BALB/c mice were used to assess the in vivo anti-leishmanial effects.

Results

In vitro and in vivo assays revealed that all concentrations of resveratrol and RNE had valuable inhibitory effects against Leishmania major in comparison to the control group (P < 0.05). The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values were calculated as 16.23 and 35.71 µg/mL for resveratrol and RNE, respectively. Resveratrol and RNE showed no cytotoxicity against the L929 cell line.

Conclusions

According to the potent in vitro and in vivo anti-leishmanial activity of RNE at low concentration against L. major, we suggest that it could be a promising anti-leishmanial therapeutic against L. major in the future.

Effect of Calmodulin-like Gene (CML) Overexpression on Stilbene Biosynthesis in Cell Cultures of Vitis amurensis Rupr

Stilbenes are plant phenolics known to rapidly accumulate in grapevine and other plants in response to injury or pathogen attack and to exhibit a great variety of healing beneficial effects. It has previously been shown that several calmodulin-like protein (CML) genes were highly up-regulated in cell cultures of wild-growing grapevine Vitis amurensis Rupr. in response to stilbene-modulating conditions, such as stress hormones, UV-C, and stilbene precursors. Both CML functions and stilbene biosynthesis regulation are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of overexpression of five VaCML genes on stilbene and biomass accumulation in the transformed cell cultures of V. amurensis. We obtained 16 transgenic cell lines transformed with the VaCML52, VaCML65, VaCML86, VaCML93, and VaCML95 genes (3–4 independent lines per gene) under the control of the double CaMV 35S promoter. HPLC-MS analysis showed that overexpression of the VaCML65 led to a considerable and consistent increase in the content of stilbenes of 3.8–23.7 times in all transformed lines in comparison with the control calli, while biomass accumulation was not affected. Transformation of the V. amurensis cells with other analyzed VaCML genes did not lead to a consistent and considerable effect on stilbene biosynthesis in the cell lines. The results indicate that the VaCML65 gene is implicated in the signaling pathway regulating stilbene biosynthesis as a strong positive regulator and can be useful in viticulture and winemaking for obtaining grape cultivars with a high content of stilbenes and stress resistance.

New Approaches on Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) Bioactive Compounds and Their Potential of Pharmacological and Beekeeping Activities: Challenges and Future Directions

Known especially for its negative ecological impact, Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed) is now considered one of the most invasive species. Nevertheless, its chemical composition has shown, beyond doubt, some high biological active compounds that can be a source of valuable pharmacological potential for the enhancement of human health. In this direction, resveratrol, emodin or polydatin, to name a few, have been extensively studied to demonstrate the beneficial effects on animals and humans. Thus, by taking into consideration the recent advances in the study of Japanese knotweed and its phytochemical constituents, the aim of this article is to provide an overview on the high therapeutic potential, underlining its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, among the most important ones. Moreover, we describe some future directions for reducing the negative impact of Fallopia japonica by using the plant for its beekeeping properties in providing a distinct honey type that incorporates most of its bioactive compounds, with the same health-promoting properties.

Phytoestrogens (Resveratrol and Equol) for Estrogen-Deficient Skin-Controversies/Misinformation versus Anti-Aging In Vitro and Clinical Evidence via Nutraceutical-Cosmetics

The overarching theme for this review is perspective. Superfoods (a marketing term for fruits and vegetables, etc.) have a positive connotation, while many superfoods contain phytoestrogens, a term that is alarming to the public and has a negative connotation because phytoestrogens are endocrine-disruptors, even though they are strong antioxidants that have many health benefits. To understand phytoestrogens, this paper provides a brief summary of the characteristics of: (a) estrogens, (b) estrogen receptors (ER), (c) estrogen-deficient skin, (d) how perspective(s) get off track, (e) phytoestrogen food sources, and (f) misconceptions of phytoestrogens and food safety, in general, that influence person(s) away from what is true. Finally, a brief history of cosmetics to nutraceuticals is covered plus the characteristics of phytoestrogens, resveratrol and equol on: (g) estrogen receptor binding, (h) topical and oral dosing, and (i) in vitro, molecular mechanisms and select clinical evidence, where both phytoestrogens (resveratrol and equol) demonstrate promising applications to improve skin health is presented along with future directions of nutraceuticals. Perspective is paramount in understanding the controversies associated with superfoods, phytoestrogens, and endocrine-disruptors because they have both positive and negative connotations. Everyone is exposed to and consumes these molecules everyday regardless of age, gender, or geographic location around the world, and how we understand this is a matter of perspective.

The Oxidation of Equol by Tyrosinase Produces a Unique Di-ortho-Quinone: Possible Implications for Melanocyte Toxicity

Equol (7-hydroxy-3-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)-chroman, EQ), one of the major intestinally derived metabolites of daidzein, the principal isoflavane found in soybeans and most soy foods, has recently attracted increased interest as a health-beneficial compound for estrogen-dependent diseases. However, based on its structure with two p-substituted phenols, this study aimed to examine whether EQ is a substrate for tyrosinase and whether it produces o-quinone metabolites that are highly cytotoxic to melanocyte. First, the tyrosinase-catalyzed oxidation of EQ was performed, which yielded three EQ-quinones. They were identified after being reduced to their corresponding catechols with NaBH₄ or L-ascorbic acid. The binding of the EQ-quinones to N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), glutathione (GSH), and bovine serum albumin via their cysteine residues was then examined. NAC and GSH afforded two mono-adducts and one di-adduct, which were identified by NMR and MS analysis. It was also found that EQ was oxidized to EQ-di-quinone in cells expressing human tyrosinase. Finally, it was confirmed that the EQ-oligomer, the EQ oxidation product, exerted potent pro-oxidant activity by oxidizing GSH to the oxidized GSSG and concomitantly producing H₂O₂. These results suggest that EQ-quinones could be cytotoxic to melanocytes due to their binding to cellular proteins.

Impact of Climatic Conditions on the Resveratrol Concentration in Blend of Vitis vinifera L. cvs. Barbera and Croatina Grape Wines

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of meteorological conditions on resveratrol concentration of red wines produced in Piacenza viticultural region (Italy). In this regard, six representative estates producing Colli Piacentini Gutturnio DOC (a blend of V. vinifera L. cvs. Barbera and Croatina) vintage wines were analysed for trans- and cis-resveratrol over an 8-year period (1998–2005). Grapes were taken from the same vineyard in each estate by using the same enological practices over the entire investigated period. The meteorological conditions corresponding to the production areas were recorded, and bioclimatic indices were calculated as well. Overall, cis-resveratrol concentration was negatively correlated to Huglin index and August mean temperature, whilst positive correlation coefficients were found when considering the Selianinov index and the rainfall of September.

Grapevine as a Rich Source of Polyphenolic Compounds

Grapes are rich in primary and secondary metabolites. Among the secondary metabolites, polyphenolic compounds are the most abundant in grape berries. Besides their important impacts on grape and wine quality, this class of compounds has beneficial effects on human health. Due to their antioxidant activity, polyphenols and phenolic acids can act as anti-inflammatory and anticancerogenic agents, and can modulate the immune system. In grape berries, polyphenols and phenolic acids can be located in the pericarp and seeds, but distribution differs considerably among these tissues. Although some classes of polyphenols and phenolic acids are under strict genetic control, the final content is highly influenced by environmental factors, such as climate, soil, vineyard, and management. This review aims to present the main classes of polyphenolic compounds and phenolic acids in different berry tissues and grape varieties and special emphasis on their beneficial effect on human health.

Potential Adverse Effects of Resveratrol: A Literature Review

Due to its health benefits, resveratrol (RE) is one of the most researched natural polyphenols. Resveratrol's health benefits were first highlighted in the early 1990s in the French paradox study, which opened extensive research activity into this compound. Ever since, several pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties, were attributed to RE. However, results from the available human clinical trials were controversial concerning the protective effects of RE against diseases and their sequelae. The reason for these conflicting findings is varied but differences in the characteristics of the enrolled patients, RE doses used, and duration of RE supplementation were proposed, at least in part, as possible causes. In particular, the optimal RE dosage capable of maximizing its health benefits without raising toxicity issues remains an area of extensive research. In this context, while there is a consistent body of literature on the protective effects of RE against diseases, there are relatively few reports investigating its possible toxicity. Indeed, toxicity and adverse effects were reported following consumption of RE; therefore, extensive future studies on the long-term effects, as well as the in vivo adverse effects, of RE supplementation in humans are needed. Furthermore, data on the interactions of RE when combined with other therapies are still lacking, as well as results related to its absorption and bioavailability in the human body. In this review, we collect and summarize the available literature about RE toxicity and side effects. In this process, we analyze in vitro and in vivo studies that have addressed this stilbenoid. These studies suggest that RE still has an unexplored side. Finally, we discuss the new delivery methods that are being employed to overcome the low bioavailability of RE.