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Updated: Mar 29, 2026
An Orthotopic Model of Serous Ovarian Cancer in Immunocompetent Mice for in vivo Tumor Imaging and Monitoring of Tumor Immune Responses
Published on: November 28, 2010
Resveratrol inhibits ovarian tumor growth in an in vivo mouse model
Lijun Tan1, Weimin Wang1, Gong He1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Background:
Resveratrol inhibits the growth of ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro through the inhibition of glucose metabolism and the induction of both autophagy and apoptosis. In the current study, we investigated the metabolic and therapeutic effects of resveratrol in vivo.
Methods:
A fluorescent xenograft mouse model of ovarian cancer was used. Mice were treated with cisplatin, resveratrol, or vehicle alone. Tumor burden was assessed using whole-body imaging. The effect of resveratrol on glucose uptake in vivo was determined using micro-positron emission tomography scanning. To determine whether resveratrol could inhibit tumor regrowth, tumor-bearing mice were treated with cisplatin followed by either daily resveratrol or vehicle. Autophagic response in resected tumors taken from mice treated with resveratrol was examined by transmission electron microscopy. Glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration in ovarian tumor cells after treatment with resveratrol was assessed.
Results:
Mice treated with resveratrol and cisplatin were found to have a significantly reduced tumor burden compared with control animals (P<.001). Resveratrol-treated mice demonstrated a marked decrease in tumor uptake of glucose compared with controls. After treatment with cisplatin, "maintenance" resveratrol resulted in the suppression of tumor regrowth compared with mice receiving vehicle alone (P<.01). Tumors resected from mice treated with resveratrol exhibited autophagosomes consistent with the induction of autophagy. Treatment with resveratrol inhibited glycolytic response in ovarian tumor cells with high baseline glycolytic rates.
Conclusions:
Treatment with resveratrol inhibits glucose uptake and has a significant antineoplastic effect in a preclinical mouse model of ovarian cancer. Resveratrol treatment suppresses tumor regrowth after therapy with cisplatin, suggesting that this agent has the potential to prolong disease-free survival. Cancer 2016;122:722-729. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Insights
Resveratrol, a natural compound, effectively reduces ovarian cancer tumor growth and glucose uptake in mice. It also helps suppress tumor regrowth after chemotherapy, potentially extending disease-free survival.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Metabolic pathways
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Resveratrol inhibits ovarian carcinoma cell growth in vitro by affecting glucose metabolism, autophagy, and apoptosis.
- Previous studies showed in vitro effects; this study investigates in vivo metabolic and therapeutic actions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo metabolic and therapeutic effects of resveratrol in ovarian cancer.
- To assess resveratrol's impact on glucose uptake, tumor burden, and regrowth after chemotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a fluorescent xenograft mouse model of ovarian cancer.
- Administered cisplatin and/or resveratrol; assessed tumor burden via whole-body imaging and glucose uptake via micro-PET.
- Examined autophagy via transmission electron microscopy and cellular metabolism (glycolysis, mitochondrial respiration).
Main Results:
- Combined resveratrol and cisplatin significantly reduced tumor burden compared to controls.
- Resveratrol decreased tumor glucose uptake and suppressed tumor regrowth post-cisplatin treatment.
- Observed autophagosomes in tumors, indicating autophagy induction, and inhibited glycolysis in high-glycolytic cells.
Conclusions:
- Resveratrol demonstrates significant antineoplastic effects in a preclinical ovarian cancer model by inhibiting glucose uptake.
- Resveratrol shows potential in suppressing tumor regrowth after cisplatin therapy, possibly prolonging disease-free survival.
