Angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) in the bone marrow increases with the progression of multiple myeloma (MM.) MM is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The present study was done to evaluate the effect of resveratrol on MM angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is induced by a natural protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF.)

Resveratrol is a polyphenol chemical found in red grape skins, other fruits and Japanese knotweed root (Polygonum cuspidatum.)

The study involved culturing MM cells with human umbilical cord cells, both with and without resveratrol. All of the combinations were cultured for various lengths of time. Testing was done for VEGF, cell proliferation, cell migration and cell differentiation.

The results showed that proliferation, migration and differentiation of normal human umbilical cord cells was increased by culturing with human MM cells. The presence of MM cells induced a doubling of the normal growth rate of umbilical cord cells.

Resveratrol reduced the proliferation, migration and tube formation by the umbilical cord cells. Resveratrol reduced the production of VEGF and other cell factors. Resveratrol resulted in a decrease in the formation of cells into tubes which become blood vessels. Therefore, resveratrol reduced angiogenesis.

CONCLUSION: Resveratrol may be useful to treat multiple myeloma (MM.) Resveratrol reduces the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) in MM. Resveratrol “is a promising drug for the chemoprevention of cancer.” This study demonstrates the likely benefit of resveratrol against angiogenesis in MM and other cancers.

NOTE: Polygonum cuspidatum is Japanese knotweed. The root contains resveratrol and emodin. Emodin is a purgative resin from rhubarb (Rheum sps.), buckthorn (Rhamnus sps., but, not sea buckthorn) and some aloes. Emodin acts as a laxative.

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PMID: 17935668.

Summary #288.