The Induction of Apoptosis by Resveratrol Through Regulatory Effect of miR-21 on the Gene Expression of Bcl2 and Bax in HCT-116 Cells

Resveratrol (RezV) which is found in several plants including grapes and types of berries has a vital role in inducing apoptosis and suppressing cell proliferation. Although the role of Bcl-2 in the apoptosis has been known in several pathways, the role and mechanism of miR-21 in the regulation of apoptosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells are unclear.

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of RezV on the expression level of miR21, Bax, and Bcl2 in colorectal tumor cells.

In this study, the effect of RezV on the viability of CRC cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Then, the expression level of miR-21 was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. For evaluating HCT-116 cells apoptosis, the expression level of Bax and Bcl2 that are involved in the apoptosis pathway was investigated by the same method.

RezV inhibits the viability of HCT-116 cells. MiR-21 gene expression was decreased after 24 hours of treatment with RezV. The reduction of miR-21 expression leads to the reduction of the Bcl2 gene expression level. Moreover, increasing the Bax/Bcl2 ratio enhances HCT-116 cells apoptosis.

In summary, RezV might be used as a co-treatment agent for CRC. On the other hand, conducting the in vivo study to evaluate the effects of RezV was critical.