Resveratrol enhances the functionality and improves the regeneration of mesenchymal stem cell aggregates

Abstract

Regenerative medicine: Red wine compound helps rejuvenate stem cells A molecule found in the skin of red grapes enhances the regenerative capacity of adult stem cells. Researchers in China led by Yan Jin from Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, and Ya-Ping Pan from China Medical University, Shenyang, isolated stem cells capable of making the different specialized cells found in the skeletal tissues from the connective tissue located at the root of tooth-bearing bones. They showed that stem cells taken from people with serious gum disease could not mature and develop into tissue-forming aggregates as well as stem cells taken from healthy individuals. Treatment of healthy stem cells with a pro-inflammatory signaling molecule impaired development, but subsequent exposure to resveratrol, the compound in grape skin, restored cellular health. Resveratrol also promoted regeneration in the diseased stem cells and in rodent models of gum disease.