Inhibitory effect of resveratrol on the expression of the VEGF gene and proliferation in renal cancer cells

Abstract

Resveratrol (Res) is known to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and to inhibit platelet aggregation and the growth of a variety of cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of Res on the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene and on cell proliferation in human renal cancer (786-0) cells. The 786-0 cells were treated with various concentrations of Res (0, 10, 20 and 40 μmol/l) for different time periods (24, 48 and 72 h). Cell proliferation was examined by MTT analysis and the expression of the VEGF gene was analyzed RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Res inhibited the expression of the VEGF gene, and its inhibitory effect increased according to the concentration and treatment time. These results indicate that Res significantly inhibits the proliferation of 786-0 cells and exerts an antitumor effect by suppressing the expression of the VEGF gene.