Resveratrol attenuates matrix metalloproteinase-9 and -2-regulated differentiation of HTB94 chondrosarcoma cells through the p38 kinase and JNK pathways.

Resveratrol has been shown to possess anticancer, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) appear to be responsible for much of the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation observed in the progression of cancer, aging and inflammation. We found that resveratrol significantly inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9, and induced the expression of type II collagen and sex-determining region Y-box (SOX)-9 and the production of sulfated proteoglycans in HTB94 chondrosarcoma cells. Moreover, inhibition of MMPs with an MMP inhibitor further enhanced the effects of resveratrol. Phosphorylation of p38 was increased and phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was inhibited by resveratrol. Treatment with SB203580, a p38 kinase inhibitor, enhanced the suppression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by resveratrol and inhibited resveratrol-induced stimulation of type II collagen and SOX-9 expression and production of sulfated proteoglycans. Treatment with SP600125, a JNK inhibitor, attenuated the effects of resveratrol on MMP-2 and MMP-9, and accelerated resveratrol-induced effects on type II collagen, SOX-9 and sulfated proteoglycan production. Our results suggest that resveratrol inhibits MMP-induced differentiation via the p38 kinase and JNK pathways in HTB94 chondrosarcoma cells.