Resveratrol suppresses hyperglycemia-induced activation of NF-κB and AP-1 via c-Jun and RelA gene regulation

Background: Resveratrol (RSV) provides several important biological functions in wide variety of cells. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying anti-inflammatory effect of RSV on HepG2 cells by assessing the gene expression of RelA and c-Jun- subunits of NF-&kappa;B and AP-1 transcription factors. &nbsp;&nbsp; Methods: HepG2 cells were settled in a serum- free medium with high concentrations of glucose (30 mM) and insulin (1 &micro;M) overnight and were then incubated with RSV (5, 10, and 20 &micro;M) for 24 and 48 hours. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to determine RelA and c-Jun expression. &nbsp;&nbsp; Results: RSV diminished hyperglycemia/hyperinsulinemia stimulated expression of c-Jun dose- dependently after 24 and 48 hours (p<0.05). In addition, RelA gene expression was decreased dose-dependently in all RSV doses after 48-hour incubation (p<0.05). Our results indicated that RSV may reduce NF-&kappa;B and AP-1 activity via RelA and c-Jun gene regulation. &nbsp;&nbsp; Conclusion: The findings of the present study demonstrated that RSV may be considered as a preventative and therapeutic agent for antagonizing inflammation in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).