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The Plant-Derived Compound Resveratrol in Brain Cancer: A Review
Terezia Kiskova1, Peter Kubatka2, Dietrich Büsselberg3
1Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, 04154 Kosice, Slovakia.
Abstract:
Despite intensive research, malignant brain tumors are among the most difficult to treat due to high resistance to conventional therapeutic approaches. High-grade malignant gliomas, including glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma, are among the most devastating and rapidly growing cancers. Despite the ability of standard treatment agents to achieve therapeutic concentrations in the brain, malignant gliomas are often resistant to alkylating agents. Resveratrol is a plant polyphenol occurring in nuts, berries, grapes, and red wine. Resveratrol crosses the blood‒brain barrier and may influence the central nervous system. Moreover, it influences the enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase and, more importantly, the resistance to standard treatment via various mechanisms, such as O6-methylguanine methyltransferase. This review summarizes the anticancer effects of resveratrol in various types of brain cancer. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have presented promising results; however, further clinical research is necessary to prove the therapeutic efficacy of resveratrol in brain cancer treatment.
Insights
Resveratrol shows promise in combating malignant brain tumors, including glioblastoma, by potentially overcoming resistance to standard treatments. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm its efficacy for brain cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Malignant brain tumors, particularly high-grade gliomas like glioblastoma, exhibit significant resistance to conventional therapies.
- Standard treatments often fail to overcome the inherent resistance of gliomas to chemotherapeutic agents, such as alkylating agents.
- Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in plants, demonstrates potential for central nervous system activity and crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing scientific literature on the anticancer effects of resveratrol in various types of brain cancer.
- To explore the mechanisms by which resveratrol may influence brain tumor treatment, including its interaction with key enzymes and resistance pathways.
- To assess the current evidence for resveratrol's therapeutic potential in neuro-oncology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of in vitro and in vivo studies investigating resveratrol's effects on brain cancer cells and models.
- Analysis of studies examining resveratrol's impact on cellular mechanisms related to cancer resistance, such as O6-methylguanine methyltransferase.
- Synthesis of data regarding resveratrol's pharmacokinetic properties, including its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Main Results:
- Several in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that resveratrol possesses anticancer properties against different brain cancer types.
- Resveratrol has been shown to influence enzymes like isocitrate dehydrogenase and modulate resistance mechanisms in cancer cells.
- Promising preclinical data suggests resveratrol may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for brain tumors.
Conclusions:
- Resveratrol exhibits potential as an agent against malignant brain tumors, including glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma.
- The compound's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and modulate resistance pathways warrants further investigation.
- While preclinical results are encouraging, robust clinical trials are essential to establish the therapeutic efficacy of resveratrol in treating brain cancer.
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