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Resveratrol inhibits cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest in activated hepatic stellate cells

Izabel C Souza1, Leo Anderson M Martins, Barbara P Coelho

  • 1Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-anexo, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
|May 6, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Resveratrol (RSV) significantly inhibits hepatic stellate cell growth and induces apoptosis. These findings suggest polyphenol-rich foods containing RSV may aid in managing chronic liver diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are key fibrogenic cells in chronic liver disease.
  • Resveratrol (RSV) exhibits anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in various cell types.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the inhibitory effects of RSV on the proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of mouse hepatic stellate cells (GRX cell line).

Main Methods:

  • GRX cells were treated with varying concentrations of RSV (1 nM–1 μM).
  • Cell proliferation was assessed over 5 days.
  • Flow cytometry and DAPI staining were used to analyze cell cycle distribution and apoptosis.

Main Results:

  • RSV treatment (1 nM–1 μM) reduced GRX cell growth by approximately 35% within 5 days.
  • RSV induced accumulation of cells in the S and sub-G1 phases, indicating cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
  • Apoptosis was evidenced by increased sub-G1 phase cells and nuclear fragmentation.

Conclusions:

  • RSV demonstrates significant anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on hepatic stellate cells at nanomolar concentrations.
  • These effects may be mediated by S-phase accumulation and cell cycle progression inhibition.
  • Dietary intake of RSV-containing foods could potentially serve as an adjuvant therapy for chronic liver diseases.

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