Resveratrol anticancer effects

Figure 15.1 Biochemical mechanisms of anticancer effects of resveratrol.

The biochemistry behind the anticancer effects of resveratrol has been corroborated by its ability to induce apoptotic death in various cancer cells in... 

The particular components in berries that may have anticancer effects are numerous, but positive results have been observed with anthocyaiuns, proanthocyanidins, protocatechuic acid, quercetin, resveratrol, ellagic acid, salicylates, and others. Again, the protective effects are likely not due to one particular compound but to the joint effects of several. 

The amphiphilic molecules constituting the micelles can be surfactants, like sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) for the solubilization of artemisinin and curcumin or for the delivery of polyphe-nolic fractions from Hamamelis virginianaP The micelles can also be formed of synthetic block copolymers. For example, copolymers of caprolactone 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl ester units with poly(meth)acrylic acid side chains have been self-assembled in micelles of quercetin associated with indomethacin for the treatment of inflammatory diseases (Figure 36.10). Resveratrol has been loaded into PCL-PEG micelles for its protective effect against oxidative stress. An aqueous formulation of luteolin has been developed with the same PCL-PEG micelles, with potential anticancer effect. ... 

Ti-awx-resveratrol is an especially important polyphenol derivative in wine from the viewpoint of anticancer effects. The chemical stracture of this compound resembles the hormone estradiol (Fig. 2.18). The substance in fact binds to estrogen receptors, it is sometimes called a phytoestrogen ( 3.24). However, resveratrol is much more important than its minor estrogen activity would make it appear. A very intensely studied— and also hotly debated—recent question is about the enhancement of the activity of an enzyme called sirtuirr Some researchers think that resveratrol increases this activity and helps preserve healthy cell functions. Some in vitro studies support this theory, but human clinical tests are still missing. Trans-... 

Mechanistic studies [35] showed combination treatments to inhibit cell proliferation via downregulation of cyclin D1 and induce apoptosis via activation of caspases-8 and -9 and downregulation of prosurvival proteins, FLIP and survivin [35]. Several stUhenes, related to resveratrol, have been synthesized and tested for their anticancer effect on HL-60 leukemia cell line, taking particular care of the cell cycle analysis. Figure 8.2 shows synthesis of stilbenes and its effects on cell cyde. A scheme of flow cytometry analysis of cell cycle is presented in Figure 8.3. The most potent compound was found to be (Z)-3,4, 5-trimethoxystilbene(I)... 

Resveratrol plays critical roles in signaling mechanisms of different tumors. Currently, it is well documented that many factors play a role in the patho-mechanisms of cancers. However, the exact mechanisms are not precisely known. If resveratrol could provoke an influence in only one pathological factor, then the effects of anticancer drugs (i.e., in combination therapy) might beneficially modulate the signal transduction pathways. This is the basic reason to investigate the precise mechanisms and effects of resveratrol and its derivatives on various cancers. 

Birt, D.R, Mitchell, D., Pour, P, and Pinch, H., Inhibition of ultraviolet light induced skin carcinogenesis in SKH-1 mice by apig nin, Anticancer Res., 17, 85-92, 1996. Fremont, L., Biological effects of resveratrol. Life ScL, 66, 663-673, 2000. 

Red sandalwood Pterocarpus santalinus has attracted interest as a colourant and contains the colourless components, pterostilbene (34), pterocarpin (35) and homopterocarpin (36) the occurrence of which (ref. 101)and the chemistry (ref. 102) have been reviewed. The nature of the possible involvement of these compounds in the development of colour in sandalwood is not known although quinone and quinone dimer structures seem highly probable. Pterostilbene is the dimethyl ether of resveratrole, a natural widely-occurring phenolic component of many plants including grapes, mulberries and peanuts. The anticancer properties (ref. 103) and beneficial effect on coronary heart disease of this have been intensively studied recently (ref 104). ... 

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