The Beneficial Effects of Resveratrol on Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Modulation of Apoptosis, Autophagy, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress
Zi Yi Wan, Jamal Hallajzadeh
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive liver fat accumulation that can progress to the more severe NASH. Impaired autophagy, the cellular process of recycling damaged organelles and proteins, has been observed in NAFLD. Interestingly, the compound resveratrol has been shown to induce autophagy in liver cells, potentially helping to alleviate NAFLD. Resveratrol can also trigger apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, the most common form of liver cancer, by inhibiting key signaling pathways. This apoptosis-inducing effect highlights resveratrol's therapeutic potential for HCC. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of resveratrol in cancer cells suggests that it may selectively target and eliminate damaged or malignant cells, further contributing to its anticancer properties. Resveratrol activates the AMPK protein complex, which regulates energy balance and autophagy, suggesting it may help remove damaged cellular components in NAFLD. While preclinical studies are promising, further clinical research is still needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of resveratrol for treating NAFLD and HCC.