Resveratrol inhibited hydroquinone-induced cytotoxicity in mouse primary hepatocytes

Therapeutic Applications of Resveratrol in Hepatic Encephalopathy through Its Regulation of the Microbiota, Brain Edema, and Inflammation

Hepatic encephalopathy is a common complication in patients with liver cirrhosis and portosystemic shunting. Patients with hepatic encephalopathy present a variety of clinical features, including neuropsychiatric manifestations, cognitive dysfunction, impaired gut barrier function, hyperammonemia, and chronic neuroinflammation. These pathogeneses have been linked to various factors, including ammonia-induced oxidative stress, neuronal cell death, alterations in the gut microbiome, astrocyte swelling, and blood-brain barrier disruptions. Many researchers have focused on identifying novel therapeutics and prebiotics in the hope of improving the treatment of these conditions. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenic compound and is known to exert several pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities. Recent studies suggest that resveratrol contributes to improving the neuropathogenic effects of liver failure. Here, we review the current evidence describing resveratrol's effects in neuropathogenesis and its impact on the gut-liver axis relating to hepatic encephalopathy. We highlight the hypothesis that resveratrol exerts diverse effects in hepatic encephalopathy and suggest that these effects are likely mediated by changes to the gut microbiota, brain edema, and neuroinflammation.

Resveratrol Protects Against Hydroquinone-Induced Oxidative Threat in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Purpose

Oxidative stress in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Resveratrol exerts a range of protective biologic effects, but its mechanism(s) are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate how resveratrol could affect biologic pathways in oxidatively stressed RPE cells.

Methods

Cultured human RPE cells were treated with hydroquinone (HQ) in the presence or absence of resveratrol. Cell viability was determined with WST-1 reagent and trypan blue exclusion. Mitochondrial function was measured with the XFe24 Extracellular Flux Analyzer. Expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit was evaluated by qPCR. Endoplasmic reticulum stress protein expression was measured by Western blot. Potential reactions between HQ and resveratrol were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry with resveratrol and additional oxidants for comparison.

Results

RPE cells treated with the combination of resveratrol and HQ had significantly increased cell viability and improved mitochondrial function when compared with HQ-treated cells alone. Resveratrol in combination with HQ significantly upregulated HO-1 mRNA expression above that of HQ-treated cells alone. Resveratrol in combination with HQ upregulated C/EBP homologous protein and spliced X-box binding protein 1. Additionally, new compounds were formed from resveratrol and HQ coincubation.

Conclusions

Resveratrol can ameliorate HQ-induced toxicity in RPE cells through improved mitochondrial bioenergetics, upregulated antioxidant genes, stimulated unfolded protein response, and direct oxidant interaction. This study provides insight into pathways through which resveratrol can protect RPE cells from oxidative damage, a factor thought to contribute to AMD pathogenesis.

Deoxyarbutin displays antitumour activity against melanoma in vitro and in vivo through a p38-mediated mitochondria associated apoptotic pathway

Deoxyarbutin (DeoxyArbutin, dA), a natural compound widely used in skin lighting, displayed selectively cytotoxicity in vitro. In the study, we found that dA significantly inhibited viability/proliferation of B16F10 melanoma cells, induced tumour cell arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, dA triggered its pro-apoptosis through damaging the mitochondrial function (membrane potential loss, ATP depletion and ROS overload generation etc.) and activating caspase-9, PARP, caspase-3 and the phosphorylation of p38. Treatment with p38 agonist confirmed the involvement of p38 pathway triggered by dA in B16F10 cells. The in vivo finding also revealed that administration of dA significantly decreased the tumour volume and tumour metastasis in B16F10 xenograft model by inhibiting tumour proliferation and inducing tumour apoptosis. Importantly, the results indicated that dA was specific against tumour cell lines and had no observed systemic toxicity in vivo. Taken together, our study demonstrated that dA could combate tumour in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of tumour via a p38-mediated mitochondria associated apoptotic pathway.

Resveratrol and liver: A systematic review

Background:

Recent studies demonstrated that resveratrol has many therapeutic effects on liver disorders. Resveratrol significantly increased survival after liver transplantation, decreased fat deposition, necrosis, and apoptosis which induced by ischemia in Wistar rats. It provided liver protection against chemical, cholestatic, and alcohol injury. Resveratrol can improve glucose metabolism and lipid profile and decrease liver fibrosis and steatosis. Furthermore, it was able to alter hepatic cell fatty acid composition. According to extension of liver disease around the world and necessity of finding new threat, this review critically examines the current preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies on the preventive and therapeutic effects of resveratrol in liver disorders.

Materials and Methods:

A search in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus was undertaken to identify relevant literature using search terms, including “liver,” “hepatic,” and “Resveratrol.” Both in vivo and in vitro studies were included. No time limiting considered for this search.

Results:

A total of 76 articles were eligible for this review. In these articles, resveratrol shows antioxidative properties in different models of hepatitis resulting in reducing of hepatic fibrosis.

Conclusion:

Resveratrol could reduce hepatic steatosis through modulating the insulin resistance and lipid profile in animals. These high quality preclinical studies propose the potential therapeutic implication of resveratrol in liver disorders especially those with hepatic steatosis. Resveratrol can play a pivotal role in prevention and treatment of liver disorders by reducing hepatic fibrosis.