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Resveratrol enhanced chemosensitivity by reversing macrophage polarization in breast cancer

I W Cheuk1, J Chen1, M Siu1

  • 1Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong and The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.

Clinical & Translational Oncology : Official Publication of the Federation of Spanish Oncology Societies and of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico
|December 3, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Resveratrol inhibits breast cancer growth by reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and suppressing key signaling pathways. This natural compound enhances chemotherapy effectiveness, offering a promising approach for breast cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, exhibits anticancer properties by modulating signaling pathways.
  • Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are prevalent in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and linked to poor breast cancer prognosis.
  • The impact of resveratrol on TAMs within the TME remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antitumor effects of resveratrol on breast cancer cells.
  • To explore resveratrol's influence on TAM polarization within the tumor microenvironment.
  • To evaluate the combined efficacy of resveratrol and cisplatin in breast cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized MDA-MB-231, cisplatin-resistant MDA-MB-231, and T47D breast cancer cell lines.
  • Assessed resveratrol's in vivo efficacy with cisplatin.
  • Examined M1 and M2 macrophage marker gene expression in THP-1 derived macrophages to determine resveratrol's effect on TAM polarization.

Main Results:

  • Resveratrol reduced breast cancer cell proliferation and enhanced chemosensitivity by inhibiting IL-6 production and STAT3 activation.
  • Resveratrol treatment increased CXCL10 (M1 marker) expression and decreased IL-6 levels in macrophages.
  • Combined resveratrol and cisplatin treatment suppressed tumor growth more effectively than cisplatin alone.

Conclusions:

  • Resveratrol inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation.
  • Resveratrol promotes M1/M2 macrophage polarization ratio.
  • Resveratrol suppresses the IL-6/pSTAT3 signaling pathway, indicating therapeutic potential.
Keywords:
Breast cancerChemosensitivityMacrophage polarizationResveratrolTumor microenvironmentTumor-associated macrophages

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