The Inhibitory Effect of Resveratrol on Elastin Amyloidogenesis

The role of polyphenols in the prevention of degenerative diseases is emerging in the last years. In this report, we will investigate in vitro the inhibitory effect of resveratrol on elastin amyloidogenesis. The effect of resveratrol on molecular structure was investigated by circular dichroism spectroscopy, while the inhibitory effect on self-assembly was evaluated by turbidimetry as a function of temperature and by atomic force microscopy. 1. Introduction Research on the effects of dietary polyphenols on human health has developed considerably in the past ten years. It strongly supports a role for polyphenols in the prevention of degenerative diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases and cancers [1]. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites produced by plants in order to defend against herbivores, attract insects by colors for insemination, and protect themselves from UV irradiations. The important presence of plants containing polyphenols in human diet is correlated to the intake as food of the producing plants. The main dietary sources of polyphenols are fruits and plant-derived beverages such as fruit juices, tea, coffee, and red wine [2]. Vegetables, cereals, chocolate, and dry legumes also contribute to the total polyphenol intake. Current evidence strongly supports a contribution of polyphenols in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and osteoporosis and suggests a role in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes mellitus [3]. Resveratrol is a nonflavonoid polyphenolic compound found in a large number of plant species (at least 72), a number of which are components of the human diet, including mulberries, peanuts, grapes, and red wines. Resveratrol exists as cis- and trans-isomeric forms, with trans to cis isomerization facilitated by UV exposure. Two phenol rings are linked by a styrene double bond to generate 3,4′,5-trihydroxystilbene (Figure 1). The trans-isomer of resveratrol displays in vitro, ex vivo, and/or in vivo a number of pharmacological effects. As a matter of fact, resveratrol has been the focus of a number of studies investigating its beneficial effects on neurological, hepatic, and cardiovascular systems [4]. Figure 1: Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene). Some of the effects are due to the widely studied antioxidant properties of polyphenols, even if recent studies have shown that the mechanisms of action of polyphenols go beyond the modulation of oxidative stress. Important biological activities involve downregulation of the inflammatory response through inhibition of synthesis and