Resveratrol Inhibits Propagation of Chlamydia trachomatis in McCoy Cells

Received Jun 12, 2017; Accepted Sep 13, 2017

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1. Introduction

Resveratrol (3,4′,5-trihydroxystilbene, С₁₄Н₁₂О₃, RESV) belongs to a group of polyphenolic substances named stilbenes. Its fat-soluble cis- and trans isoforms bound to a glucose molecule are present in some plants (grapes, peanuts, berries, etc.) and red wine [1]. Steadily growing interest in the potential health benefits of resveratrol began to surface about 20 years ago when reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease was linked to moderate red wine consumption [2]. Interest in the potential health benefits of RESV was also fueled by reports relating to the anti-aging properties of the compound when RESV-mediated extension of lifespan in yeast, C. elegans and Drosophila, was reported [3]. To date, RESV is acknowledged to have significant antioxidant activity and anticarcinogenic as well as cardio- and neuroprotective actions [4]. Reports on the antidiabetic activity of RSV and other plant-derived polyphenols have also emerged recently [5, 6]. The remarkable diversity of biological effects of RESV seen in mammals might be explained by multiple targets mediating its action in intermediate metabolism. Among these are molecules and pathways involved in aging and longevity, mTOR/S6K, sirtuins, AMPK, and perhaps several others [7]. Therefore, the RESV-driven health effects seen in higher organisms are likely to be secondary to the antiaging effect of RESV reported in metazoans. However, it is important to acknowledge that the beneficial effects of RESV reported in eukaryotes have little or no relevance to plant physiology. RESV is a phytoalexin, a normal constituent of the plant cell produced by plants in response to fungal/bacterial insult, stress, or elicitor treatment [7]. Therefore, antifungal and antibacterial properties seem to constitute...