Resveratrol as an anti-inflammatory and anti-aging agent: Mechanisms and clinical implications

Abstract

Resveratrol is a phytoalexin polyphenolic compound found in various plants, including grapes, berries, and peanuts. Multiple lines of compelling evidence indicate its beneficial effects on neurological, hepatic, and cardiovascular systems. Also one of the most striking biological activities of resveratrol soundly investigated during the late years has been its cancer-chemopreventive potential. In fact, recently it has been demonstrated that this stilbene blocks the multistep process of carcinogenesis at various stages: tumor initiation, promotion, and progression. One of the possible mechanisms for its biological activities involves downregulation of the inflammatory response through inhibition of synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory mediators, modification of eicosanoid synthesis, inhibition of activated immune cells, or inhibiting such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) via its inhibitory effects on nuclear factor (kappa)B (NF-(kappa)B) or the activator protein-1 (AP-1). More recent data provide interesting insights into the effect of this compound on the lifespan of yeast and flies, implicating the potential of resveratrol as an anti-aging agent in treating age-related human diseases. It is worthy to note that the phenolic compound possesses a low bioavailability and rapid clearance from the plasma. As the positive effects of resveratrol on inflammatory response regulation may comprise relevant clinical implications, the purpose of this article is to review its strong anti-inflammatory activity and the plausible mechanisms of these effects. Also, this review is intended to provide the reader an up-date of the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of resveratrol and its impact on lifespan.

Resveratrol Binds to the Sulfonylurea Receptor (SUR) and Induces Apoptosis in a SUR Subtype-specific Manner

“…antioxidative or anti-inflammatory properties, protection against cardiovascular diseases, and chemopreventive effects, have been attributed to trans-resveratrol thus far. Several different molecular targets, including inhibition of cyclooxygenases 1 and 2, inhibition or stimulation of nitric-oxide synthases, and activation of adenylyl and guanylyl cyclase, have been discussed in connection with these different effects (21,22,44). The resveratrol concentrations required to achieve most of these different effects in the respective experimental systems have been shown to range from 5 to 100 M or sometimes even higher (21).…”

Reversal of fetal ductal constriction after maternal restriction of polyphenol-rich foods: an open clinical trial

“…19 In the human setting, we have demonstrated that fetuses exposed to a maternal diet rich in polyphenols in the third trimester show higher ductal velocities and lower pulsatility indexes (PIs), as well as larger right ventricles, than those exposed to minimal amounts of these substances. 15,16 The rationale for understanding the behavior of fetal ductal arteriosus flow dynamics after maternal ingestion of PRF in late pregnancy is that these substances have definite anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, largely reported in the literature, [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29] based on the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 or other components of the metabolic cascade resulting in prostaglandins biosynthesis. These actions are similar to that involved in prostaglandin inhibition caused by NSAID.…”

Dose-dependent effect of Resveratrol on bladder cancer cells: Chemoprevention and oxidative stress

“…Resveratrol is abundant in red wine with concentrations ranging from 10 to 20 M [6,7]. The works show that Resveratrol is rapidly absorbed and metabolized.…”

“…Resveratrol was further demonstrated to be an antitumor and chemopreventive agent; and found to affect cellular proliferation through its action on tumor initiation, promotion, and progression [5,6]. These properties have been explained mainly by its activities in cell cycle control and apoptosis induction [7,8].…”