Resveratrol modulates arachidonic acid release, prostaglandin synthesis, and 3T6 fibroblast growth.

Previous results suggested that the cyclooxygenase-2 pathway and prostaglandins might modulate 3T6 fibroblast growth. This study shows the effect of resveratrol on the main elements of arachidonic acid (AA) cascade and 3T6 fibroblast growth. The polyphenol reduced the reactive oxygen species production stimulated by fetal calf serum or platelet-derived growth factor, as well as phospholipase A(2) activity translocation and the subsequent [(3)H]AA release and prostaglandin E(2) synthesis induced by these growth factors. A Western blot analysis demonstrated that cyclooxygenase-2 induction stimulated by fetal calf serum or platelet-derived growth factor was inhibited by resveratrol. The effects of resveratrol on AA cascade were correlated with an impairment of 3T6 fibroblast proliferation and DNA synthesis. These results suggest that reactive oxygen species and AA, and/or prostaglandins such as prostaglandin E(2) might be involved in the control of 3T6 fibroblast growth by resveratrol.