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Side-effects of resveratrol in HepG2 cells: reduced pten and increased bcl-xl mRNA expression
Min Zheng1, Ruifu Chen, Hongyuan Zhong
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350108, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Resveratrol is a natural compound present in red grapes and red wine, and is often consumed in the human diet. The chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic potential of resveratrol in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most common types of liver cancer, has received much attention in recent years. However, the side-effects of resveratrol stimulation are of concern due to the high doses administered to humans. This study investigated the effects of resveratrol on the mRNA expression of pten and bcl-xl in HepG2 cells using semi-quantitative and quantitative PCR. This study demonstrated that 200 µmol/l resveratrol stimulation for 12 h resulted in the inhibition of HepG2 proliferation, reduced pten and increased bcl-xl mRNA expression. The data suggest that (a) the anticancer mechanism of resveratrol does not involve the induction of pten and inhibition of bcl-xl expression and (b) resveratrol induces a cellular self-protection response, which underlies the cellular chemoresistance against resveratrol in HepG2 cells.
Insights
Resveratrol inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell proliferation but does not alter pten or bcl-xl mRNA. This suggests cancer cells develop chemoresistance to resveratrol through a self-protection mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Resveratrol, found in red grapes and wine, shows potential in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- High doses of resveratrol may cause adverse side effects.
- Understanding resveratrol's molecular mechanisms in HCC is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of resveratrol on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell proliferation.
- To analyze the impact of resveratrol on the mRNA expression of pten and bcl-xl genes in HepG2 cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized semi-quantitative and quantitative PCR to assess mRNA expression.
- Stimulated HepG2 cells with 200 µmol/l resveratrol for 12 hours.
- Monitored changes in pten and bcl-xl gene expression and cell proliferation.
Main Results:
- Resveratrol stimulation inhibited HepG2 cell proliferation.
- Observed a reduction in pten mRNA expression.
- Detected an increase in bcl-xl mRNA expression.
Conclusions:
- Resveratrol's anticancer mechanism in HCC does not involve upregulating pten or downregulating bcl-xl.
- Resveratrol may induce a cellular self-protection response, leading to chemoresistance in HepG2 cells.
