Neuroprotective Properties and Mechanisms of Resveratrol inin Vitroandin VivoExperimental Cerebral Stroke Models

Abstract

Resveratrol, a natural stilbene present at relatively high concentrations in grape skin and seeds and red wine, is known for its purported antioxidant activity in the vascular and nervous systems. In contrast to its direct antioxidant role within the central nervous system, recent research supports a protective mechanism through increasing endogenous cellular antioxidant defenses, which triggers a cascade of parallel neuroprotective pathways. A growing body of in vitro and in vivo evidence indicates that resveratrol acts through multiple pathways and reduces ischemic damage in vital organs, such as the heart and the brain, in various rodent models. Most of the protective biological actions of resveratrol have been associated with its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties and other indirect pathways. Continued public interest and increasing resveratrol supplements on the market warrant a review of the available in vitro and in vivo science reported in the stroke-related literature. Rigorous clinical trials evaluating the effects of resveratrol in stroke are absent, though the general population consumption appears to be relatively safe. Resveratrol has shown potential for treating stroke in laboratory animals and in vitro human cell studies, yet there is still a need for human research in preclinical settings. This review summarizes many of the findings on the neuroprotective potential of resveratrol in cerebral stroke, focusing on both the in vitro and in vivo experimental models and some proposed mechanisms of action.

Resveratrol and Its Analogues – Is It a New Strategy of Anticancer Therapy?

“…In the observed test group of rodents with models of stroke, a reduced stroke impact area and improved cognitive functions after parenteral and oral intake of RSV were observed. Best neuroprotective effects of RSV occur when the intake took place during or immediately after stroke [40]. RSV has also a positive effect in Alzheimer's disease because of its ability to reduce cognitive disorders, interneural amyloid beta deposit, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein in the hippocampus and its neuroprotective properties.…”

Free Radicals, the Natural Antioxidant Buyang Huanwu Decoction and Ischemic Stroke

“…In order to eliminate excess free radicals, antioxidants must be used to preserve the balance between oxidation and reduction in vivo, thereby preventing the development of diseases. Studies have found that natural antioxidants such as hawthorn flavonoids, green tea polyphenols, resveratrol and the traditional Chinese medicine prescription Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) are effective in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebral diseases [13][14][15][16][17][18][19] .…”

α- and β-Naphthoflavone synergistically attenuate H2O2-induced neuron SH-SY5Y cell damage

“…OS-induced neurocyte apoptosis is a primary contributor to neurological disease with OS in the reoxygenation/reperfusion setting of stroke constituting a major driving force for neurocyte apoptosis (8)(9)(10). The immediate supplement of exogenous antioxidants has been demonstrated to decrease neuronal mortality and ease the burden of stroke in vivo and in vitro (8)(9)(10).…”

“…The immediate supplement of exogenous antioxidants has been demonstrated to decrease neuronal mortality and ease the burden of stroke in vivo and in vitro (8)(9)(10). By contrast, OS derived from microglial activation in PD induces neurocyte apoptosis and consequently assists the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons that is a marked pathological feature of PD (11,12).…”

“…Neurocytes are unable to be regenerated following apoptosis and the deficit of neurocytes may trigger typical characteristics of neurological diseases including memory loss, cognitive impairment and motor α-and β-Naphthoflavone synergistically attenuate H 2 O 2 -induced neuron SH-SY5Y cell damage disturbance. Therefore, counteracting the detrimental effects of ROS, especially ROS-induced neuronal apoptosis, is an important approach in treating neurological diseases (10)(11)(12)(13). A number of botanical extracts, specifically those rich in flavonoids, confer neuroprotective effects via the inhibition of OS generation and inhibiting OS-mediated deleterious actions (14).…”