Resveratrol can only partially attenuate ethanol-induced oxidative stress in embryonic chick brains

Ethanol (EtOH) exposure promotes increased levels of reactive oxygen species that degrade unsaturated long-chain membrane fatty acids within embryonic chick brains and is associated with apoptosis and reduced embryo viability. In vitro studies have demonstrated that resveratrol, a known antioxidant, attenuated EtOH-induced damage. In order to test whether or not resveratrol can attenuate EtOH-induced embryonic damage, fertile chicken eggs were injected daily with EtOH (6.05 mmol/kg egg) and various concentrations of trans-resveratrol (0-29.5 mmol/kg egg) during the first three days of embryonic development. At 11 days of embryonic development, viable embryos were collected, brains isolated, and brain membrane fatty acid composition analyzed. Embryonic EtOH exposure promoted fewer viable embryos at 11 days of development as compared to controls. Embryonic EtOH exposure also promoted reduced levels of unsaturated long-chain membrane fatty acids, increased levels of saturated short-chain membrane fatty acids, and elevated brain lipid hydroperoxides (LPO) levels. Embryonic exposure to moderate (2.95 nmol/kg egg) and high (29.5 nmol/kg egg) levels of trans-resveratrol attenuated EtOH-induced changes in brain membrane fatty acid composition but failed to attenuate EtOH-induced increases in brain LPO levels and increased brain Casp-3 activities.