Resveratrol: From Basic Studies to Bedside

Abstract

Plants produce a remarkable amount of low molecular mass natural products endowed with a large array of pivotal biological activities. Among these molecules, resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) has been identified as an important modulator of cell phenotype with a complex and pleiotropic mode of action. Extensive literature regarding its activity, mainly employing cellular models, suggests that this polyphenol controls cell proliferation, induces differentiation, and activates apoptosis and autophagy. The compound also modulates angiogenesis and inflammation. Similarly, studies on implanted cancers and chemical-induced tumors confirm the potential chemotherapeutical interest of the compound. Likewise, several reports clearly demonstrated, in animal models, that the compound might positively affect the development and evolution of chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, obesity, coronary heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and neurogenerative pathologies. Finally, a number of investigations stated that the toxicity of the molecule is scarce. Despite these promising observations, few clinical trials have yet been performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the molecule both in prevention and treatment of human chronic disease. Preliminary findings therefore suggest the need for more extensive clinical investigations.

Antitumor effect of resveratrol on chondrosarcoma cells via phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways

“…Accumulating evidence regarding its activity reveals that Res has an effect on cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and autophagy (4,5). Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that Res has a suppressive effect on various types of human malignancy (6).…”

Autism genes are selectively targeted by environmental pollutants including pesticides, heavy metals, bisphenol A, phthalates and many others in food, cosmetics or household products

“…(e.g. resveratrol [160]). Phytoestrogens stimulate estrogen receptors, alpha and beta and many are endowed with antioxidant, and pro-apoptotic effects [161], while some may also have pro-or anti-angiogenic effects [162].…”

Resveratrol attenuates inflammation in the rat heart subjected to ischemia-reperfusion: Role of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

“…Res has extensive pharmacological effects, including anticancer properties (14)(15)(16)(17), improving ifosfamide-induced Fanconi syndrome in rats (18), treating diabetic nephropathy (19) and neuronal protection (20,21). Though previous studies have suggested that Res has an anti-inflammatory effect, the role of Res in mediating inflammation remains to be understood (22). The present study aims to investigate the role of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in the anti-inflammatory effect of Res in a rat model of MI/R.…”