Anti-Cancer Properties of Resveratrol: A Focus on Its Impact on Mitochondrial Functions
Lolita Kursvietiene,
Dalia M. Kopustinskiene,
Inga Staneviciene,
Ausra Mongirdiene,
Kateřina Kubová,
Ruta Masteikova,
Jurga Bernatoniene
Affiliations
Lolita Kursvietiene
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu str. 4, LT-50009 Kaunas, Lithuania
Dalia M. Kopustinskiene
Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu pr. 13, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
Inga Staneviciene
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu str. 4, LT-50009 Kaunas, Lithuania
Ausra Mongirdiene
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu str. 4, LT-50009 Kaunas, Lithuania
Kateřina Kubová
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Masaryk University, 60177 Brno, Czech Republic
Ruta Masteikova
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Masaryk University, 60177 Brno, Czech Republic
Jurga Bernatoniene
Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu pr. 13, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
Cancer is one of the most serious public health issues worldwide, demanding ongoing efforts to find novel therapeutic agents and approaches. Amid growing interest in the oncological applications of phytochemicals, particularly polyphenols, resveratrol—a naturally occurring polyphenolic stilbene derivative—has emerged as a candidate of interest. This review analyzes the pleiotropic anti-cancer effects of resveratrol, including its modulation of apoptotic pathways, cell cycle regulation, inflammation, angiogenesis, and metastasis, its interaction with cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment. The effects of resveratrol on mitochondrial functions, which are crucial to cancer development, are also discussed. Future research directions are identified, including the elucidation of specific molecular targets, to facilitate the clinical translation of resveratrol in cancer prevention and therapy.
