Strategic Syntheses of Vine and Wine Resveratrol Derivatives to Explore their Effects on Cell Functions and Dysfunctions

Synthesis, biological evaluation and docking studies of N-substituted resveratrol derivatives

A total of 19 resveratrol derivatives, including 12 imines and 7 amines, were synthesized, among which compounds 1, 5, 6, 7', 11', and 13 are new compounds. The anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities of these compounds were evaluated in vitro. The results revealed that compounds 1, 6, 8', 12, and 12' exhibited significant inhibitory effects (> 50%) on NO production at the concentration of 10 μM and their NO production inhibitory activities have a significant concentration-dependent ability. Additionally, compounds 8' and 12' showed promising COX-2 inhibitory activity, and the molecular docking analysis indicated their stable binding to multiple amino acid residues within the active pocket of COX-2 through hydrogen bonding. Moreover, compound 12' exhibited inhibitory effects on various tumor cell lines and induced apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, which was not observed with resveratrol alone. Therefore, the N-substituted structural modification of resveratrol would have possibly enhanced the bioactivity of resveratrol and facilitated its application.

Unveiling the potential effects of resveratrol in lung cancer treatment: Mechanisms and nanoparticle-based drug delivery strategies

Lung cancer ranks among the most prevalent forms of cancer and remains a significant factor in cancer-related mortality across the world. It poses significant challenges to healthcare systems and society as a whole due to its high incidence, mortality rates, and late-stage diagnosis. Resveratrol (RV), a natural compound found in various plants, has shown potential as a nanomedicine for lung cancer treatment. RV has varied effects on cancer cells, including promoting apoptosis by increasing pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bak) and decreasing anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2). It also hinders cell proliferation by influencing important signaling pathways (MAPK, mTOR, PI3K/Akt, and Wnt/β-catenin) that govern cancer progression. In addition, RV acts as a potent antioxidant, diminishing oxidative stress and safeguarding cells against DNA damage. However, using RV alone in cancer treatment has drawbacks, such as low bioavailability, lack of targeting ability, and susceptibility to degradation. In contrast, nanoparticle-based delivery systems address these limitations and hold promise for improving treatment outcomes in lung cancer; nanoparticle formulations of RV offer advantages such as improved drug delivery, increased stability, controlled release, and targeted delivery to lung cancer cells. This article will provide an overview of lung cancer, explore the potential of RV as a therapeutic agent, discuss the benefits and challenges of nanoparticle-based drug delivery, and highlight the promise of RV nanoparticles for cancer treatment, including lung cancer. By optimizing these systems for clinical application, future studies aim to enhance overall treatment outcomes and improve the prognosis for lung cancer patients.

Processing Stabilization of Polyethylene with Grape Peel Extract: Effect of Extraction Technology and Composition

Dry grape peel powder was extracted by three different techniques, stirred tank reactor, Soxhlet and ultrasound extraction. The composition, physical and chemical structure and inherent stability of the extracts were characterized by various methods. The extracts and reference compounds were added to polyethylene and their stabilization efficiency was determined in multiple extrusion experiments. The composition of the extracts was quite similar. Ten main compounds were identified in the extracts, which contained a considerable number of polyphenols, but only small amounts of quercetin and trans-resveratrol. The extracts proved to be more efficient processing stabilizers than trans-resveratrol and the commercial stabilizer, Irganox 1010, irrespective of the extraction technology used. In spite of their good processing stabilization effect, polymers containing the extracts had poor residual stability. The differences in processing and long-term stabilization must be related to the different structures of the polyphenols contained by the extracts and the reference compounds. The results clearly prove that the IC50 value determined by the DPPH assay is not suitable for the estimation of the efficiency of a compound as a stabilizer for polymers.

Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activities of Imine Analogs of Trans-Resveratrol towards Murine Neuronal N2a Cells

Trans-resveratrol is a natural polyphenol showing numerous biological properties, especially anti-tumoral and antioxidant activity. Among numerous resveratrol derivatives, aza-stilbenes, which bear an imine bound, show interesting biological activities. In the present study, we synthesized a series of imine analogs of trans-resveratrol (seven aza-stilbenes) following an easy and low-cost procedure of green chemistry. The toxicity of synthesized aza-stilbenes, which is currently unknown, was evaluated on murine neuronal N2a cells, comparatively to trans-resveratrol, by considering: cell density evaluated by staining with sulforhodamine 101; esterase activity, which is a criteria of cell viability, by staining with fluorescein diacetate; and transmembrane mitochondrial potential, which is known to decrease during cell death, by staining with DiOC₆(3) using flow cytometry. In addition, the antioxidant activity was quantified with the KRL (Kit Radicaux Libres) assay, the DPPH (2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) assay and the FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assay. The PAOT (Pouvoir Antioxidant Total) score was also used. The aza-stilbenes provide different cytotoxic and antioxidant activities, which are either higher or lower than those of trans-resveratrol. Based on their cytotoxic and antioxidant characteristics, all synthesized aza-stilbenes are distinguished from trans-resveratrol.

Tailored Functionalization of Natural Phenols to Improve Biological Activity

Phenols are widespread in nature, being the major components of several plants and essential oils. Natural phenols' anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, pharmacological and nutritional properties are, nowadays, well established. Hence, given their peculiar biological role, numerous studies are currently ongoing to overcome their limitations, as well as to enhance their activity. In this review, the functionalization of selected natural phenols is critically examined, mainly highlighting their improved bioactivity after the proper chemical transformations. In particular, functionalization of the most abundant naturally occurring monophenols, diphenols, lipidic phenols, phenolic acids, polyphenols and curcumin derivatives is explored.

Resveratrol-Based Nanoformulations as an Emerging Therapeutic Strategy for Cancer

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic stilbene derivative widely present in grapes and red wine. Broadly known for its antioxidant effects, numerous studies have also indicated that it exerts anti-inflammatory and antiaging abilities and a great potential in cancer therapy. Regrettably, the oral administration of resveratrol has pharmacokinetic and physicochemical limitations such as hampering its effects so that effective administration methods are demanding to ensure its efficiency. Thus, the present review explores the published data on the application of resveratrol nanoformulations in cancer therapy, with the use of different types of nanodelivery systems. Mechanisms of action with a potential use in cancer therapy, negative effects, and the influence of resveratrol nanoformulations in different types of cancer are also highlighted. Finally, the toxicological features of nanoresveratrol are also discussed.

A Comprehensive Study on the Antimicrobial Properties of Resveratrol as an Alternative Therapy

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic antioxidant whose possible health benefits include anticarcinogenic, antiaging, and antimicrobial properties that have gained significant attention. The compound is well accepted by individuals and has been commonly used as a nutraceutical in recent decades. Its widespread usage makes it essential to study as a single agent as well as in combination with traditional prescription antibiotics as regards to antimicrobial properties. Resveratrol demonstrates the action of antimicrobials against a remarkable bacterial diversity, viruses, and fungus. This report explains resveratrol as an all-natural antimicrobial representative. It may modify the bacterial virulence qualities resulting in decreased toxic substance production, biofilm inhibition, motility reduction, and quorum sensing disturbance. Moreover, in conjunction with standard antibiotics, resveratrol improves aminoglycoside efficacy versus Staphylococcus aureus, while it antagonizes the deadly function of fluoroquinolones against S. aureus and also Escherichia coli. The present study aimed to thoroughly review and study the antimicrobial potency of resveratrol, expected to help researchers pave the way for solving antimicrobial resistance.

Resveratrol Derivatives as Potential Treatments for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive loss of neurons in different regions of the nervous system. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are the two most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases, and the symptoms associated with these pathologies are closely related to the regions that are most affected by the process of neurodegeneration. Despite their high prevalence, currently, there is no cure or disease-modifying drugs for the treatment of these conditions. In the last decades, due to the need for the development of new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, several authors have investigated the neuroprotective actions of naturally occurring molecules, such as resveratrol. Resveratrol is a stilbene found in several plants, including grapes, blueberries, raspberries, and peanuts. Studies have shown that resveratrol presents neuroprotective actions in experimental models of AD and PD, however, its clinical application is limited due to its rapid metabolism and low bioavailability. In this context, studies have proposed that structural changes in the resveratrol molecule, including glycosylation, alkylation, halogenation, hydroxylation, methylation, and prenylation could lead to the development of derivatives with enhanced bioavailability and pharmacological activity. Therefore, this review article aims to discuss how resveratrol derivatives could represent viable molecules in the search for new drugs for the treatment of AD and PD.

Molecular Basis of the Beneficial Actions of Resveratrol

Resveratrol modulates the transcription factor NF-κB, cytochrome P450 isoenzyme CYP1A1, expression and activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, Fas/Fas ligand mediated apoptosis, p53, mTOR and cyclins and various phospho-diesterases resulting in an increase in cytosolic cAMP levels. Cyclic AMP, in turn, activates Epac1/CaMKKβ/AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway that facilitates increased oxidation of fatty acids, mitochondrial respiration and their biogenesis and gluconeogenesis. Resveratrol triggers apoptosis of activated T cells and suppresses tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-17 (IL-17) and other pro-inflammatory molecules and inhibits expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that may explain its anti-inflammatory actions. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and their anti-inflammatory metabolites lipoxin A4, resolvins, protectins and maresins have a significant role in obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), metabolic syndrome and cancer. We observed that PUFAs (especially arachidonic acid, AA) and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) protect against the cytotoxic actions of alloxan, streptozotocin, benzo(a)pyrene (BP) and doxorubicin. Thus, there is an overlap in the beneficial actions of resveratrol, PUFAs and BDNF suggesting that these molecules may interact and augment synthesis and action of each other. This is supported by the observation that resveratrol and PUFAs modulate gut microbiota and influence stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Since resveratrol is not easily absorbed from the gut it is likely that it may act on endocannabinoid and light, odor, and taste receptors located in the gut, which, in turn, convey their messages to the various organs via vagus nerve.

Aza- and Azo-Stilbenes: Bio-Isosteric Analogs of Resveratrol

Several series of natural polyphenols are described for their biological and therapeutic potential. Natural stilbenoid polyphenols, such as trans-resveratrol, pterostilbene and piceatannol are well-known for their numerous biological activities. However, their moderate bio-availabilities, especially for trans-resveratrol, prompted numerous research groups to investigate innovative and relevant synthetic resveratrol derivatives. This review is focused on isosteric resveratrol analogs aza-stilbenes and azo-stilbenes in which the C=C bond between both aromatic rings was replaced with C=N or N=N bonds, respectively. In each series, synthetic ways will be displayed, and structural sights will be highlighted and compared with those of resveratrol. The biological activities of some of these molecules will be presented as well as their potential therapeutic applications. In some cases, structure-activity relationships will be discussed.

The Potential Use of Resveratrol for Cancer Prevention

In addition to the traditional treatments of cancer and cancer prevention, the use of natural compounds, especially those found in food, should be considered. To clarify if resveratrol has the potential for cancer prevention and the possibility of use in therapy, the following must be taken into account: data from epidemiology, clinical protocol (case and control), preclinical studies (lab animals), use of established cell lines as models of cancer cells, test tube assays (enzymes activities), and requirements of nanotechnologies in order to discover new drugs to fight cancer. From this perspective and future expected advances, more information is needed such as improved efficacy, methods of application, and the synergistic sensitization of resveratrol as an adjuvant. In addition, resveratrol nanoformulation is considered to overcome its weak bioavailability.

Strategies to Improve Resveratrol Systemic and Topical Bioavailability: An Update

In recent years, a great deal of attention has been paid to natural compounds due to their many biological effects. Polyphenols are a class of plant derivatives that have been widely investigated for preventing and treating many oxidative stress-related pathological conditions, such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes mellitus and inflammation. Among these polyphenols, resveratrol (RSV) has attracted considerable interest owing to its high antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. However, the poor water solubility and rapid metabolism of RSV lead to low bioavailability, thus limiting its clinical efficacy. After discussing the main biochemical mechanisms involved in RSV biological activities, this review will focus on the strategies attempted to improve RSV effectiveness, both for systemic and for topical administration. In particular, technological approaches involving RSV incorporation into different delivery systems such as liposomes, polymeric and lipid nanoparticles, microemulsions and cyclodextrins will be illustrated, highlighting their potential clinical applications. In addition, chemical modifications of this antioxidant aimed at improving its physicochemical properties will be described along with the results of in vitro and in vivo studies.

Special Issue: Wine and Vine Components and Health

There is much literature on the topic of wine and health dating back to the days of Hippocrates, and it is believed that there are unlimited varieties of wine, allowing the association of senses, nutrition, and hedonism [...].