Introduction

Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a natural phenol that is synthesized by numerous plants following injury or exposure to pathogens [1]. The skin of the grape, blueberry, raspberry, mulberry, and peanut is regarded as a source of resveratrol [2]. Resveratrol is used as a dietary supplement and its effects have been assessed in animal models of human disorders (Fig. 1). Resveratrol is a pan-assay interference agent that makes positive impacts in various laboratory tests [3]. These effects are mediated through its interactions with biomolecules on cell membranes [4]. In plants, resveratrol is synthesized by the enzyme resveratrol synthase [5].

Fig. 1
figure 1

Chemical structure of resveratrol. It has been reported that resveratrol has many therapeutic effects [10,11,12,13]

In humans, resveratrol can be administered through buccal delivery being absolved via the saliva. Yet, buccal delivery is not an efficient route since it has low aqueous solubility [6]. Moreover, high amounts of hepatic glucuronidation and sulfonation further limit the bioavailability of resveratrol [7]. Resveratrol is glucuronidated and sulfonated in the intestinal and hepatic tissues. Its sulfonation in the intestine is induced by microbial activity [8]. While the half-life of resveratrol is about 8–14 min, sulphate and glucuronide resveratrol metabolites have half-lives of more than 9 h [9].

This agent has been found to alter the expression of several genes in different pathological conditions. In the current review, we summarize the results of studies that reported modulatory effects of resveratrol on the expression of genes and the activity of signaling pathways. We explain these results in two distinct sections of non-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions. The main focus of this manuscript is on studies that reported modulatory effects of resveratrol on PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Effects of resveratrol on gene expression in non-neoplastic conditions

Cardiac diseases

In order to assess the protective effects of resveratrol against cardiac hypertrophy, Guan et al. have exposed male rats to Male rats were exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). CIH has resulted in the elevation of heart weight/body weight and left ventricle weight/body weight ratios as well as left ventricular remodeling. Moreover, authors have reported elevation of the apoptosis index, up-regulation of oxidative biomarkers, increase in autophagy marker Beclin-1, and down-regulation of p62 in the CIH group. Intragastric administration of resveratrol has enhanced cardiac function, amended cardiac hypertrophy, and reversed CIH-induced changes in oxidative stress and apoptosis. Mechanistically, PI3K/AKT-associated suppression of the mTOR pathway has been identified as the mediator of effects of resveratrol autophagy activation following CIH stimulation [14]. In an experiment in aged rats, Lin et al. have shown swimming exercise training, resveratrol treatment, or a combination of both can improve heart function. Authors have also reported a slight increase in the activity of the PI3K/AKT pathway in rats subjected to exercise training and resveratrol treatment. Yet, the activity of SIRT1 in the aged rat hearts has been only with resveratrol treatment. Besides, rats exposed to both interventions exhibited activation of both SIRT1 and PI3K/AKT pathways and inhibition of FOXO3 accumulation [15]. Table 1 describes the impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of cardiovascular disorders.

Table 1 Impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of cardiovascular disorders

Based on the anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol, this agent is also suggested to decreases COVID-19-associated mortality, which is due to activation of thrombotic and inflammatory cascades [18].

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders

Resveratrol has been found to have neuroprotective effects against early brain injury (EBI) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Experiments in rat models have shown that intraperitoneal administration of this agent decreases mortality and brain edema following SAH. Moreover, resveratrol has enhanced neurological scores in these animals. Histological studies have shown the effect of resveratrol in the reduction of neuronal pyknosis and swelling. Moreover, resveratrol has enhanced expressions of beclin-1, LC3-II, LC3-II/LC3-I, and Bcl-2, while decreasing p-AKT, p-mTOR, p62, cleaved caspase-3, caspase-9, and BAX levels. Further studies have verified the effects of resveratrol in the induction of autophagy. Therefore, the neuroprotective effect of resveratrol is exerted through the regulation of autophagy and apoptosis via modulating the AKT/mTOR pathway [19].

Neuroprotective effects of resveratrol have also been investigated in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion. Resveratrol has remarkably enhanced neurological function, decreased cerebral infarct size, reduced neuron injury, and diminished neuron apoptosis. Mechanistically, resveratrol up-regulates p-JAK2, p-STAT3, p-AKT, p-mTOR, and BCL-2 levels, while down-regulating cleaved caspase-3 and BAX levels. Taken together, resveratrol protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through induction of the activities of JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways [20]. Another experiment has shown that resveratrol reduces neurological deficit scores and MPO activity and suppresses induction of IL-1β, TNFα, and COX2 inflammatory markers. In addition, resveratrol attenuates ischemic brain injury following cerebral artery occlusion via modulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway [21] (Fig. 2). Through upregulating heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) via the PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 axis, resveratrol can attenuate the cytotoxic effects of amyloid-β1–42 in PC12 cells [22]. Moreover, through activating PP2A and PI3K/AKT induced-inhibition of GSK-3β, resveratrol can inhibit Tau phosphorylation in the rat brain [23]. Thus, resveratrol may be considered as an anti-Alzheimer's disease substance. Table 2 describes the impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of CNS disorders.

Fig. 2
figure 2

Resveratrol could activate the PI3K/AKT pathway [25]. On the other hand, this mentioned pathway could increase the Nrf2 translocation, finally induce transcription of anti-oxidative enzymes involved in inhibiting apoptosis. Moreover, GSK-3β could inhibit the Nrf2-ARE, then the transcription of antioxidant enzymes is induced. Interestingly, resveratrol by inactivating JAK-STAT or the NF-kB pathways could decrease ROS production and cell death [34, 35]

Table 2 Impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of CNS disorders

A clinical trial in patients with Alzheimer's disease has shown measurable levels of resveratrol and its major metabolites in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of patients following treatment with this substance. However, brain volume loss has been promoted by treatment with resveratrol [33].

Diabetic complications

The beneficial effects of resveratrol on cardiac function have been assessed in an animal model of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Resveratrol has suppressed high glucose-associated apoptosis of ventricular myocytes in neonatal rats. Moreover, resveratrol has reversed the effects of high glucose in reduction of cell viability, inhibition of AKT and FoxO3a phosphorylation, and suppression of cytoplasmic transfer of FoxO3a. The protective effects of resveratrol have been abolished by a PI3K inhibitor, indicating that the therapeutic effect of this agent is mediated through inhibition of apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT/FoxO3a cascade [36]. Another study has shown that resveratrol through up-regulating mmu-miR-363-3p via the PI3K/AKT pathway can reverse high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance [37]. Resveratrol has also shown protective effects against high glucose-associated apoptosis and senescence of nucleus pulposus cells. Functionally, resveratrol inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activates PI3K/AKT pathway under the high glucose condition [38]. The protective effects of resveratrol against diabetic nephropathy are exerted through modulation of PI3K/AKT/FoxO3a pathway, attenuation of the high glucose-induced oxidative stress, and reduction of apoptosis [39]. Resveratrol-induced suppression of PKC expression has also been shown to counteract NOX-associated endothelial to mesenchymal transition in endothelial cells of retina following exposure to high glucose [40]. Table 3 describes the impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of diabetic complications.

Table 3 Impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of diabetic complications

Gastrointestinal disorders

Resveratrol has been shown to exert protective effects against radiation-induced intestinal damage. This agent has amended the intestinal oxidative stress markers, malondialdehyde and glutathione levels, and enzymatic activity of catalase. Additionally, resveratrol has decreased the production of proinflammatory molecules TNF-α, NF-κB, and IL-1β in the intestine. These effects have been accompanied by down-regulation of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR in the intestinal tissue of irradiated animals. Therefore, resveratrol can be used as a potential adjuvant in radiotherapeutic regimens [43]. Moreover, resveratrol via the PI3K/AKT-mediated Nrf2 pathway could protect intestinal cells against oxidative stress [44]. The protective effects of resveratrol against liver fibrosis have been verified in different studies. Resveratrol can regulate the activity of hepatic stellate cells via modulating NF-κB and PI3K/AKT pathways [45]. Moreover, resveratrol via the miR-20a-mediated activation of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway can inhibit LF [46]. Table 4 describes the impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of gastrointestinal disorders.

Table 4 Impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of gastrointestinal disorders

Other disorders

Resveratrol has also been shown to inhibit ox-LDL-stimulated expression of TLR4 in activated platelets. This effect has been similarly seen in LPS-activated and puromycin-pretreated platelets. Mechanistically, resveratrol attenuates ox-LDL-stimulated phosphorylation of NF-κB and STAT3. Moreover, the suppressive impact of resveratrol on TLR4 expression has been correlated with the inhibition of phosphorylation of AKT. Combined administration of resveratrol and a PI3K inhibitor synergistically inhibits AKT phosphorylation and TLR4 expression. Besides, resveratrol has increased the expression of sirtuin 1 and phosphorylation of AMPK, which was decreased by ox-LDL. Besides, resveratrol has been shown to reduce platelet aggregation and adhesion and CD40L expression in ox-LDL-exposed platelets. Therefore, resveratrol can inhibit the TLR4-associated inflammatory responses in ox-LDL-induced platelets and might be used as an option for the treatment of thrombosis and atherosclerotic conditions [48]. In addition, a certain formulation of resveratrol-loaded nanoparticles has been shown to inhibit LPS-induced accumulation of leukocytes in the bronchoalveolar fluid. This effect has been accompanied by improvement of respiratory function, prevention of accumulation of leukocytes and neutrophils, and reduction of IL-6, KC, MIP-1α, MIP-2, MCP-1, and RANTES levels in lung tissues. Additionally, the mentioned formulation could inhibit MDA levels and SOD activity and block ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways after LPS stimulation [49]. In addition, resveratrol through suppression of PI3K/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway could inhibit oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell apoptosis and alleviate acute lung injury in septic rats [50]. The protective effect of resveratrol against sepsis-induced changes in the myocardium has been shown to be exerted through suppression of NF-kB and induction of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway [51]. Table 5 describes the impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of other disorders.

Table 5 Impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of other disorders

Effects of resveratrol on gene expression in neoplastic conditions

Hematological malignancies

Resveratrol can combat multidrug resistance (MDR) in leukemia. This substance has been shown to enhance the anti-proliferative effect of bestatin in the K562/ADR leukemia cell line. Concurrent treatment of leukemic cells with bestatin and resveratrol has decreased IC50 values of bestatin and increased activity of caspase-3 and caspase-8, indicating the potential effect of resveratrol in the enhancement of bestatin-induced apoptosis. Resveratrol has enhanced intracellular levels of bestatin via suppressing P-gp function and decreasing the expression level of P-gp, therefore increasing the anti-proliferative effect of bestatin in K562/ADR cells. Mechanistically, resveratrol has been shown to decrease AKT and mTOR phosphorylation without affecting the phosphorylation of JNK or ERK1/2 [59]. Moreover, resveratrol can regulate apoptosis and proliferation of leukemia cells through modulation of PTEN/PI3K/AKT [60]. Table 6 describes the impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of hematological malignancies.

Table 6 Impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of hematological malignancies

Gastrointestinal cancers

Resveratrol has protective effects against bile acid-induced gastric intestinal metaplasia. Resveratrol has been shown to decrease the expression of CDX2 and enhance the activity of FoxO4 in gastric cell lines. Based on the bioinformatics and chromatin-immunoprecipitation analyses, FoxO4 has been shown to bind with the promoter region of CDX2. These effects are mediated through the enhancement of nuclear translocation phospho-FoxO4. In addition, resveratrol enhances FoxO4 phosphorylation via modulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Taken together, resveratrol can decrease bile acid-induced gastric intestinal metaplasia via the PI3K/AKT/p-FoxO4 cascade. Thus, it has a protective effect against bile acid-induced gastric intestinal metaplasia particularly those associated with bile acid reflux [63]. In addition, through regulating the PTEN/ PI3K/AKT pathway, resveratrol could induce cell cycle arrest in human gastric cancer cells [64]. Besides, via MARCH-1-induced regulation of the PTEN/AKT pathway, resveratrol can inhibit the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma [65]. Resveratrol can also up-regulate connexin43 and inhibit the AKT pathway, therefore sensitizing colorectal cancer cells to cetuximab [66]. Table 7 describes the impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of gastrointestinal cancers.

Table 7 Impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of gastrointestinal cancers

Reproductive system cancers

Resveratrol has been shown to decrease expression levels of MTA1, a constituent of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylating (NuRD) complex which is up-regulated in numerous malignancies [75]. Moreover, resveratrol can enhance acetylation and reactivation of PTEN through suppression of the MTA1/HDAC complex, leading to blockage of the AKT pathway. Further experiments in the orthotopic model of prostate cancer have verified the effects of resveratrol in the enhancement of PTEN expression, reduction of p-AKT levels, in suppression of proliferation. Therefore, resveratrol can decrease the activity of survival pathways of prostate cancer via modulating the MTA1/HDAC axis [76]. In ovarian cancer cells, resveratrol can induce apoptosis and impair glucose uptake via AKT/GLUT1 axis [77]. Moreover, resveratrol has been shown to induce cell death via ROS‑dependent inactivation of Notch1/PTEN/AKT cascade [78]. Table 8 describes the impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of reproductive system cancers.

Table 8 Impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of cancers of the reproductive system

A phase I clinical study in the prostate cancer pathogenesis has demonstrated potential use of resveratrol could for delaying cancer recurrence. Pulverized muscadine grape skin which comprises resveratrol could delay recurrence of prostate cancer through increasing the PSA doubling time. Yet, the obtained results have not been statistically significant [81].

Lung cancer

Resveratrol has been shown to inhibit the expression of XRCC1 and increase the etoposide-associated apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Thus, the inhibitory role of resveratrol on the expression of XRCC1 improves the sensitivity of these cells to etoposide [82]. Moreover, through suppressing the PI3K/AKT-HK2 pathway, resveratrol can play a role in the clinical prevention and treatment of NSCLC [47]. Resveratrol also activates SIRT1 and stimulates protective autophagy in NSCLC cells through suppression of AKT/mTOR and induction of p38-MAPK [83]. Finally, resveratrol can sensitize lung cancer cells to TRAIL via suppressing the AKT/NF-κB pathway [84]. Table 9 describes the impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of lung cancer.

Table 9 Impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of lung cancer

Other cancers

Resveratrol has been shown to suppress the proliferation of both parental and vemurafenib-resistant melanoma cell lines. Moreover, it can reduce AKT phosphorylation in these cells. Therefore, it can reverse vemurafenib resistance in patients receiving BRAF inhibitors [86]. Moreover, by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, it could promote autophagy and suppress the growth of melanoma cells [87]. Resveratrol has also been shown to sensitize breast cancer cells to docetaxel-induced cytotoxicity via inhibiting docetaxel-mediated activation of the HER-2/AKT axis [88]. In addition, resveratrol can promote the anti-tumor effects of rapamycin in papillary thyroid cancer via modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway [89]. Table 10 describes the impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of cancers (Fig. 3).

Table 10 Impact of resveratrol on the expression of genes in the context of other cancers
Fig. 3
figure 3

Treatment with resveratrol could decrease expression of miR-21 and finally decrease cancer cell survival; these events have been occurred after enhancing PTEN expression and blocking PI3K/AKT and mTOR pathways [94]. Also, resveratrol could decrease cancer cell survival and proliferation via inhibiting the ERK1/2 pathway [96, 100]

A clinical study in women with high risk of breast cancer development has shown that serum levels of total trans-resveratrol and glucuronide metabolite are enhanced following consumption of both 5 and 50 mg trans-resveratrol twice daily for 12 weeks. Moreover, this treatment has led to reduction of RASSF-1α methylation parallel with increasing concentrations of serum trans-resveratrol [99].

Discussion

Several clinical trials have assessed the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of resveratrol [101]. It has potential beneficial effects in diverse pathological conditions such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, neoplastic conditions, Alzheimer's disease, and cardiovascular disorders [101]. However, the therapeutic efficacy of resveratrol seems to be dependent on several factors [102]. For instance, the efficacy of resveratrol has been higher in certain types of cancer compared with others. Moreover, additional clinical trials should be conducted to assess the effects of resveratrol in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and stroke. Studies in the context of cardiovascular disorders have shown beneficial effects of resveratrol. However, these effects depend on demographics features, since it has not been effective in extremely overweight persons, even has been harmful in schizophrenic patients [103].

Another important note is that the optimal dosage of resveratrol which can induce the maximum beneficial effects without raising toxic effects remains to be identified. A number of studies have reported toxic and adverse effects after consumption of resveratrol [104]. Thus, widespread investigations on the long-term effects of resveratrol in human subjects are needed. Moreover, the interactions between resveratrol and other therapeutic agents should be assessed [104]. A possible adverse effect of resveratrol might be mediated by down-regulation of Akt which induces ROS generation and endothelial cell injury in a dose-dependent manner [105]. Moreover, resveratrol has been shown to alter redox state of human endothelial cells and cause cellular death through a mitochondrial-dependent route [106].

Notably, resveratrol has been found to affect the expression of several genes including cytokine coding genes, caspases, matrix metalloproteinases, adhesion molecules, and growth factors [101]. In addition to the mentioned protein coding genes, evidence from in vitro and in vivo assays has shown the direct effects of resveratrol on several non-coding genes and possible implication of these transcripts in the therapeutic effects of resveratrol [107]. Moreover, it can modulate the activity of several signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, Wnt, NF-κB, and Notch pathways [101]. Among the mentioned pathways, the regulatory effects of resveratrol on the activity of the PI3K/AKT pathway have been better appraised in different contexts. In the context of neoplastic conditions, resveratrol not only inhibits malignant behavior of cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition but also sensitizes neoplastic cells to anti-cancer drugs such as rapamycin [89], doxorubicin [67], vemurafenib [86], cetuximab [66], etoposide [82] and docetaxel [88]. Therefore, it can be used as an adjuvant to enhance the efficacy of several types of anti-cancer modalities ranging from conventional chemotherapeutic agents to targeted therapies. The effects of resveratrol in the suppression of growth of cancer stem cells have been validated in some types of cancers particularly glioblastoma [91]. This property of resveratrol should be appraised in other cancers to find whether it can be used as a drug to combat tumor metastasis and recurrence.

An important issue in the clinical application of resveratrol is the identification of the best route and formulations of this agent. A certain nanoformulation of resveratrol has been proved to be an effective approach for improving the protective effects of resveratrol against lung injury, proposing that the modified-release preparation of this substance can be effective in this situation [49]. Further studies are needed to appraise the efficacy of this formulation in other conditions.

Conclusion

Taken together, resveratrol has several therapeutic effects including modulation of immune responses and ROS formation, suppression of malignant behavior of cancer cells, and sensitization of these cells to anti-cancer drugs. Increasing the bioavailability of this agent and identification of the most appropriate route of administration of this agent are important changes that should be addressed before the extensive application of resveratrol in clinical settings.