Pro- and anti-angiogenesis effects of resveratrol

Abstract

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, has a variety of effects including protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury, and antitumor and chemopreventive action against malignant tumors. In recent years, resveratrol has been found to exert pro- and anti-angiogenic effects, depending on the situation. For example, pro-angiogenic effects are noted in the peri-infarct myocardium, whereas resveratrol inhibits angiogenesis in tumors. In this article, a review of the literature concerning both pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic effects of resveratrol and the underlying mechanisms of its effects on angiogenesis is presented.