Anti-Inflammatory Action and Mechanisms of Resveratrol

Abstract

Resveratrol (3,4',5-trihy- droxystilbene), a natural phytoalexin polyphenol, exhibits anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. This phytoalexin is well-absorbed and rapidly and extensively metabolized in the body. Inflammation is an adaptive response, which could be triggered by various danger signals, such as invasion by microorganisms or tissue injury. In this review, the anti-inflammatory activity and the mechanism of resveratrol modulates the inflammatory response are examined. Multiple experimental studies that illustrate regulatory mechanisms and the immunomodulatory function of resveratrol both in vivo and in vitro. The data acquired from those studies are discussed.

Keywords: absorption and metabolism; anti-inflammation; antioxidant; mechanism; resveratrol.

Figure 1

Structure of trans-resveratrol (a) and cis-resveratrol (b).

Figure 2

Inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolic pathway by resveratrol. Key abbreviations: COX, cyclooxygenase; PGD2, prostaglandin D2; PGE2, prostaglandin E2; PGI2, prostaglandin I2; TXA2, thromboxane A2.

Figure 3

Schematic presentation of possible signaling cascades of resveratrol in suppression inflammatory response. Key abbreviations: UVB, ultraviolet B; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor alpha; TPA, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate; PMA, Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate; H₂O₂, hydrogen peroxide; LPS, lipopolysaccharide; TLR4, Toll-like receptor 4; MyD88, myeloid differentiation factor 88; TRAF6, tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6; MAPKs, mitogen-activated protein kinases; IκB, inhibitor kappa B; IKK, inhibitor-κB kinase; NF-κBp65, nuclear factor kappa B 3; IL, interleukin; NO, nitric oxide; iNOS, inducible nitric oxide synthase; COX-2, cyclooxygenase-2; PGE2, prostaglandin E2.