The cancer preventative agent resveratrol is converted to the anticancer agent piceatannol by the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP1B1
2002

Resveratrol is converted to piceatannol by CYP1B1

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Potter G A, Patterson L H, Wanogho E, Perry P J, Butler P C, Ijaz T, Ruparelia K C, Lamb J H, Farmer P B, Stanley L A, Burke M D

Primary Institution: Cancer Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University

Hypothesis

CYP1B1 serves to activate certain non-toxic dietary components into growth inhibitory substances specifically within tumour cells containing the CYP1B1 enzyme.

Conclusion

Resveratrol is metabolized by CYP1B1 to generate the antileukaemic agent piceatannol, providing a possible molecular mechanism for its cancer preventative properties.

Supporting Evidence

  • Resveratrol is a cancer preventative agent found in red wine.
  • Piceatannol has known anticancer properties and was identified as the antileukaemic principle from a plant extract.
  • CYP1B1 is overexpressed in a variety of human tumors and catalyzes aromatic hydroxylation reactions.
  • The study provides evidence for the concept that CYP1B1 in tumors may function as a growth suppressor enzyme.

Takeaway

Resveratrol, a substance in red wine that helps prevent cancer, can be turned into another substance called piceatannol that fights cancer, thanks to a special enzyme in tumors.

Methodology

The study involved high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to analyze the metabolism of resveratrol by CYP1B1.

Limitations

The other metabolites formed during the metabolism of resveratrol were not conclusively identified due to the unavailability of authentic standards.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600197

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