Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species and Induction of Apoptosis of HL60 Cells by Resveratrol

Abstract

Prooxidant and apoptosis-inducing effects of a polyphenol resveratrol that is a principal constituent in grape epicarp on HL60 cells were examined. Resveratrol produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HL60 cells in a dose-dependent manner. ROS generation was enhanced by addition of transition metals. Treatment with 10 μM resveratrol for 20 h induced an apoptotic cell death of HL60 cells, in a dose-dependent manner. Resveratrol induced depolarization of mitochondrial membrane in accordance with activation of caspase-3. These results indicate that resveratrol mediated intracellular production of ROS is closely related to the induction of an apoptosis of HL60 cells.