Resveratrol is a plant compound that is found, for example, in cranberries and grapes, but is also offered as a dietary supplement. A new study shows that resveratrol appears to have promising therapeutic benefits in colorectal cancer.
A Chinese research team investigated the influence of resveratrol on the progression of colorectal cancer, particularly focusing on apoptosis associated with autophagy. The corresponding study results are published in the specialist magazine “Phytotherapy Research”.
Health benefits of resveratrol
Numerous previous studies have suggested extensive health benefits of the plant compound, linking resveratrol to protection against heart disease, stroke and inflammation, for example.
A review study from 2021 already came to the conclusion that resveratrol could also be suitable for cancer treatment.
Anti-cancer effect?
Today, resveratrol is known for its anti-cancer effect through so-called SIRT1 activation and is considered a promising candidate for the treatment of colon cancer, the researchers report.
In their new study, the experts examined the effect of resveratrol against colorectal cancer using bioinformatics and cell cultures, mice and people diagnosed with colon cancer. The focus was particularly on the influence on apoptosis (programmed cell death) associated with autophagy.
Promote apoptosis of cancer cells
According to the researchers, there was a direct connection between the FOXQ1 transcription factor and an unfavorable colorectal cancer prognosis. In addition, extensive in vitro experiments confirmed the ability of resveratrol to promote autophagy-related apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells, the team reports.
According to the researchers, further experiments showed a direct activation of SIRT1 by resveratrol, which led to the inhibition of FOXQ1 expression. And the experts identified the ATG16L gene as an important autophagic target.
High potential for colon cancer therapy
Overall, the in vivo and in vitro studies illustrate the potential of resveratrol for colorectal cancer therapy, the research team concluded. The study demonstrates the ability of resveratrol to enhance autophagy-related cell apoptosis in colorectal cancer.
With its effect on the SIRT1/FOXQ1/ATG16L metabolic pathway, the natural active ingredient appears to be a promising therapeutic agent for colon cancer therapy.
“The results not only confirm previous studies, but also provide profound mechanistic insights into the therapeutic potential of resveratrol in colon cancer and other malignant tumors,” the researchers conclude. (fp)
