Multiple myeloma is a disease in which malignant plasma cells fill the bone marrow. The result is severe bone disease caused by destruction of bone by osteoclast cells and reduced new bone formation by osteoblast cells. Bone loss promotes the further growth of myeloma cancer cells. The patients that first respond to current treatments may eventually become resistant.

Treatment strategies are needed to treat the plasma cells, osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Resveratrol (trans-3,4′,5-trihydroxystilbene) is known to have some effect against several cancers. Resveratrol is a component of many plants, grapes and red wine. Moderate consumption of red wine results in doses of .02 mg/kg. Doses of 20 mg/kg has been found to be chemopreventive for breast, skin, liver, colorectal, intestinal, lung and neuroblastoma cancers. Resveratrol is beneficial in macrophages, platelets, polymorphonuclear cells, osteoblasts, neurons, and adrenal cells.

The present study was done to test resveratrol’s effects on osteoblasts, osteoclasts and myeloma cells. The goal was to reduce myeloma cell growth and to balance bone formation and destruction.

Resveratrol was found to reduce cell growth and increase apoptosis (natural cell death) in myeloma cells. Resveratrol was found to promote the markers of osteoblastic cells (such as osteocalcin and osteopontin) in the stem cells of bone marrow. The bone marrow stem cells had an improved response to vitamin D3 and resveratrol reduced bone breakdown by osteoclasts.

CONCLUSION: “Taken together, these results suggest that resveratrol or its derivatives deserve attention as potential drugs for treating multiple myeloma.”

NOTE: Resveratrol is, chemically, a stilbene,which like flavonoids, are types of polyphenols found in food. Excessive osteoclast activity of bones in multiple myeloma causes fractures. Resveratrol is believed to be capable of reducing such fractures. Read more about resveratrol in multiple myeloma.

To read the author’s abstract of the article click on the link to the author’s title of the article above.

PMID: 16267019.

Summary #258.