Researchers: Jay H Chung, Vincent Manganiello, Jason R B Dyck
It is widely believed that calorie restriction (CR) can extend the lifespan of model organisms and protect against aging-related diseases. A potential CR mimetic is resveratrol, which may have beneficial effects against numerous diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer in tissue culture and animal models. However, resveratrol in its current form is not ideal as therapy, because even at very high doses it has modest efficacy and many downstream effects. Identifying the cellular targets responsible for the effects of resveratrol and developing target-specific therapies will be helpful in increasing the efficacy of this drug without increasing its potential adverse effects. A recent discovery suggests that the metabolic effects of resveratrol may be mediated by inhibiting cAMP phosphodiesterases (PDEs), particularly PDE4. Here, we review the current literature on the metabolic and cardiovascular effects of resveratrol and attempt to shed light on the controversies surrounding its action.
References
- Resveratrol, sirtuins, and the promise of a DR mimetic.
- Resveratrol delays age-related deterioration and mimics transcriptional aspects of dietary restriction without extending life span.
- Resveratrol treatment in mice does not elicit the bradycardia and hypothermia associated with calorie restriction.
- SIRT1 is required for AMPK activation and the beneficial effects of resveratrol on mitochondrial function.