Resveratrol inhibits the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor and subsequent proliferation in human leukemia U937 cells.

This study examined the effect of resveratrol on the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and subsequent proliferation of human leukemia U937 cells, and explored the mechanisms involved. Human leukemia U937 cells were treated with resveratrol of different concentrations (12.5-200 micromol/L) for different time lengths (12-48 h). The proliferation of the U937 leukemic cells was determined by MTT assay. Apoptosis was observed by Annexin-V-FIFC/PI double staining and flow cytometry (FCM). Cells cycle was analyzed by PI staining and FCM. The content of VEGF was determined by ELISA. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were examined for vasoformation in vitro after exposures to resveratrol of various concentrations. The results showed that resveratrol inhibited the proliferation of U937 leukemia cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner. Resveratrol induced apoptosis and S-phase cell cycle arrest in human leukemic U937 cells. Resveratrol inhibited the secretion of VEGF in U937 cells. Resveratrol inhibited the vasoformation of human vein endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. It was concluded that resveratrol could down-regulate the secretion of VEGF, induce apoptosis and suppress the proliferation of U937 cells.