Study Identifies Resveratrol’s Cancer Fighting Mechanism

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.--Researchers at the University of Virginia have identified how resveratrol, an antioxidant compound found in the skins of grapes, can kill cancer cells. According to the researchers, resveratrol starves cancer cells by inhibiting the action of a key protein (nuclear factor-kappa B--NF-kB) that feeds them; the protein is found in the nucleus of all cells and activates genes responsible for cell survival. The study is published in the May 20 online edition of the Journal of the European Molecular Biology Organization (http://embojournal.npgjournals.com).

Cancer cells treated with resveratrol died because they became sensitive to a compound called Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa), according to researchers. Resveratrol initiated a reaction in the NF-kB molecule that caused the cancer cells to self-destruct (a process called apoptosis).

Studies have shown resveratrol can help control atherosclerosis, heart disease, arthritis and autoimmune disorders. The researchers believe the inhibition of NF-kB may be responsible in these disorders, as NF-kB can control inflammatory responses.

The study was funded by grants from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Paul Mellon Prostate Cancer Institute.

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