Protective Effect of Resveratrol Against Intracranial Aneurysm Rupture in Mice

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Resveratrol is a polyphenol with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• It has shown efficacy in preclinical models of atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysm, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol.
• To determine if resveratrol protects against intracranial aneurysm formation and rupture in a mouse model.

Main Methods:

• Intracranial aneurysms were induced in male mice using elastase and deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt (DOCA-salt)-induced hypertension.
• Mice were fed either a normal diet or a resveratrol-supplemented diet for 6 weeks prior to aneurysm induction.
• Gene expression of Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1 (Nfkb1), and Tumor necrosis factor (Tnf) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The incidence of aneurysm formation did not differ significantly between the groups.
• Resveratrol significantly reduced the rate of aneurysmal rupture (40% vs. 88% in the control group).
• Resveratrol increased Sirt1 mRNA levels and decreased Nfkb1 and Tnf mRNA levels.

Conclusions:

• Resveratrol demonstrates a significant therapeutic potential in reducing intracranial aneurysm rupture.
• The anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol, mediated partly through Sirt1, Nfkb1, and Tnf pathways, contribute to its protective role.