Resveratrol at High Doses Acts as an Apoptotic Inducer in Endothelial Cells.
- Author:
Kyungmin IN
1
;
Jongbong PARK
;
Heonyong PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Molecular Biology & the Institute of Nanosensor and Biotechnology, Dankook Univiersity, Seoul, Korea. heonyong@dankook.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Resveratrol;
Endothelial cells;
Apoptosis;
Caspase-3;
Cell signaling
- MeSH:
Apoptosis;
Blotting, Western;
Caspase 3;
Cell Movement;
Endothelial Cells*;
Etoposide;
Nitric Oxide Synthase;
Phenol;
Phosphotransferases;
Vitis
- From:Cancer Research and Treatment
2006;38(1):48-53
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSES: Resveratrol is a phenolic compound found in grapes and other food products. In order to assess the availability of resveratrol as an angio-inhibiting drug, we examined whether resveratrol plays an important role in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) for cell apoptosis and cell migration. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Endothelial cell apoptosis was observed as detected by the Hoechst staining and the caspase-3 activity. Additionally, Western blotting was performed for monitoring the activities of various cell signaling molecules. RESULTS: Resveratrol was shown to act as a pro-apoptotic agent. The pro-apoptotic effect of resveratrol was as great as that of etoposide, a well-known anti-cancer drug. In addition, resveratrol had an inhibitory effect on endothelial cell migration. The demonstrated efficacy of resveratrol suggests that resveratrol may be utilized as an anti-angiogenic drug. To determine the underlying mechanisms, we further investigated which signaling molecules are activated by resveratrol. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was activated by the treatment with resveratrol in BAECs, whereas endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS), Akt, and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were inhibited. The pretreatment with PD compound, an ERK inhibitor, had no effect on the pro-apoptosis induced by resveratrol. CONCLUSION: Resveratrol plays an important role in endothelial cell apoptosis, indicating that resveratrol can be utilized as a potent anti-angiogenic drug.
