Resveratrol as a Gene Regulator in the Vasculature

Title:Resveratrol as a Gene Regulator in the Vasculature

Volume: 15 Issue: 4

Author(s): Ning Xia, Ulrich Forstermann and Huige Li

Affiliation:

Keywords: Gene regulation, nitric oxide, oxidative stress, resveratrol, vascular inflammation.

Abstract: Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) possesses multiple protective properties in the vasculature, including anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and improvement of endothelial function. A substantial part of these effects is attributable to gene expression changes induced by the compound. Resveratrol can activate the NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), leading to deacetylation of SIRT1 target molecules such as NF-kB and forkhead box O (FOXO) transcription factors. The inhibition of NF-kB by resveratrol reduces the expression of inflammation mediators. FOXO factors are implicated in the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes and the endothelial-type nitric oxide synthase. In addition, resveratrol upregulates a number of antioxidant enzymes by activating nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and downregulates NADPH oxidases through yet known mechanisms.

Cite this article as:

Xia Ning, Forstermann Ulrich and Li Huige, Resveratrol as a Gene Regulator in the Vasculature, Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 2014; 15 (4) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389201015666140711114450