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Resveratrol-induced autophagocytosis in ovarian cancer cells

Anthony W Opipari1, Lijun Tan, Anthony E Boitano

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA. rliu@umich.edu

Cancer Research
|January 28, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Resveratrol induces cell death in ovarian cancer cells through a non-apoptotic pathway, offering a potential strategy for chemoresistant cancers. This natural compound may bypass typical apoptosis resistance mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Resveratrol, a natural phytoalexin found in grapes and red wine, exhibits antineoplastic properties.
  • Its molecular mechanisms of action against cancer cells are under investigation.
  • Ovarian cancer often develops resistance to conventional chemotherapy, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of resveratrol on human ovarian carcinoma cell lines.
  • To elucidate the specific cell death pathways induced by resveratrol in these cells.
  • To explore resveratrol's potential as a therapeutic agent for chemoresistant ovarian cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Treatment of five human ovarian carcinoma cell lines with resveratrol.
  • Analysis of cell death markers, including cytochrome c release, apoptosome formation, and caspase activation.
  • Morphological and ultrastructural examination using light and electron microscopy.
  • Assessment of resveratrol sensitivity in cells expressing antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-x(L) and Bcl-2.

Main Results:

  • Resveratrol inhibited growth and induced cell death in ovarian cancer cell lines.
  • While some markers of apoptosis were observed, microscopy revealed features of autophagic cell death.
  • Resveratrol-treated cells exhibited ultrastructural changes indicative of autophagocytic processes.
  • Cells overexpressing antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-x(L) and Bcl-2 remained sensitive to resveratrol.

Conclusions:

  • Resveratrol induces cell death in ovarian cancer cells via a mechanism distinct from classical apoptosis, potentially involving autophagy.
  • This non-apoptotic cell death pathway suggests resveratrol may be effective against ovarian cancers resistant to apoptosis-based therapies.
  • Resveratrol represents a promising therapeutic candidate for overcoming chemoresistance in ovarian cancer.

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