Trans-resveratrol reduced hepatic oxidative stress in an animal model without inducing an ‍upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-‍related factor 2

Abstract

Trans-resveratrol, a widely used supplement for humans, aims to enhance the body’s antioxidant defense. Studies suggest that it exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by activating the ‍nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). In order to evaluate this hypothesis, LDLr^(−/−) mice were fed a Western diet to induce liver inflammation and oxidative stress. One group was fed a diet containing 0.60 ‍mg/day of trans-resveratrol (RESV), while another group received no dietary supplementation (CONT). Oxidative stress biomarkers and inflammatory cytokines were assessed in liver homogenates. It was observed that trans-resveratrol decreased hepatic oxidative stress by increasing the GSH/GSSG ratio and reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) concen­tration. However, the RESV group exhibited a reduction in Nrf2 relative expression compared to CONT. Additionally, trans-resveratrol supplementation reduced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression but led to an increase in IL-6, with no significant changes observed in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentrations. Overall, these findings indicate that the in vivo antioxidant impact induced by trans-resveratrol supplementation in hepatic tissue did not correlate with increase of inflammatory cytokines and Nrf2 relative expres­sion. Further exploration of alternative mechanisms, such as direct ‍radical scavenger activity, is warranted to elucidate the antioxidant effect.