Resveratrol induces apoptosis in SW480 human colon cancer cell lines

Resveratrol, (3,4', 5-trans-trihydroxystilbene), a phytoalexin present in fruits and vegetables, possesses potent anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. Effects of resveratrol on protein expressions of caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bax, total Akt and phosphorylated Akt, ErbB2, and ErbB3 in SW480 human colon cancer cell were investigated using SW480 cells cultured with various concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 muM) of resveratrol. Resveratrol inhibited colon cancer cell growth in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05), and increased caspase-3 expression. Bax expression was significantly increased and Bcl-2 levels were dose-dependently decreased in resveratrol-treated cells (p<0.05). Phosphorylated Ala, total Akt, ErbB2, and ErbB3 levels were markedly lower in 5 muM resveratrol-treated cells (p<0.05). Results reveal resveratrol inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in SW480 human colon cancer cell lines via ErbB2/Akt signal pathway.