Resveratrol in Treating Diabetes and Its Cardiovascular Complications: A Review of Its Mechanisms of Action

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide. High morbidity and mortality caused by DM are closely linked to its complications in multiple organs/tissues, including cardiovascular complications, diabetic nephropathy, and diabetic neuropathy. Resveratrol is a plant-derived polyphenolic compound with pleiotropic protective effects, ranging from antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to hypoglycemic effects. Recent studies strongly suggest that the consumption of resveratrol offers protection against diabetes and its cardiovascular complications. The protective effects of resveratrol involve the regulation of multiple signaling pathways, including inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation, enhancement of insulin sensitivity, induction of autophagy, regulation of lipid metabolism, promotion of GLUT4 expression, and translocation, and activation of SIRT1/AMPK signaling axis. The cardiovascular protective effects of resveratrol have been recently reviewed in the literature, but the role of resveratrol in preventing diabetes mellitus and its cardiovascular complications has not been systematically reviewed. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action of resveratrol based on in vitro and in vivo studies, highlighting the therapeutic potential of resveratrol in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its cardiovascular complications.

Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Gut Dysbiosis: What Can Polyphenols Do in Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

“…Resveratrol is a well-known polyphenolic compound extracted at high levels from grape skins, peanuts, blueberries, and the roots of some CHMs, especially Polygonum cuspidatum , Morus alba L., and Panax notoginseng (Burkill) [ 101 , 102 ]. Due to its multiple anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and antimicrobial biological effects, resveratrol has been proven beneficial in various diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, cancer, and IBD [ 103 , 104 , 105 ]. The antimicrobial activity of resveratrol could impair the homeostasis of gut microbiota.…”

Genetic and Pharmacological Inhibition of GCN2 Ameliorates Hyperglycemia and Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetic Mice

“…As a key transcription factor in regulating oxidative stress responses, Nrf2 is a promising target for T2DM therapy. The activators of Nrf2, such as sulforaphane [ 36 , 37 ], curcumin [ 38 , 39 ], resveratrol [ 40 ], and TBE-31 [ 41 ], significantly increased glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in T2D animal models and patients. We recently demonstrated that GCN2 promotes oxidative stress in fatty livers by repressing the Nrf2 signaling pathway.…”

The protective role of nutritional antioxidants against oxidative stress in thyroid disorders

“…It has been shown that long-term treatment with reservatrol prolongs lifespan and reduces OxS ( 142 ). In addition, resveratrol was shown to possess cardiovascular protective capacity ( 143 – 145 ) and exhibit antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects ( 146 – 150 ), as well as the ability to suppress the proliferation of a variety of tumour cells ( 151 , 152 ). Also, resveratrol positively affects obesity, reducing triglycerides and glucose levels.…”