Epigenetic drivers of resveratrol-induced suppression of mammary carcinogenesis: Addressing miRNAs, protein, mRNA, and DNA methylation

Abstract

There are both cis- and trans-isomers of resveratrol, with the trans-isomer the more active of the two. Trans-resveratrol is present in a variety of foods, and preclinical data suggest that the agent is effective in both preventing the formation of mammary tumors and in shrinking tumors that have developed. The agent has mild to no human toxicity over a wide dose range. On the other hand, efficacy in humans has not been proven, and first-pass effects through conjugation in the liver have led people to question its clinical usefulness, although evidence of deconjugation intracellularly has also been demonstrated. The epigenetic mechanisms of action of the agent are many, including effects on miRNAs, protein, mRNA, and DNA methylation. Findings to date will be reviewed, with a look to where investigations are headed to better assess clinical efficacy.