Resveratrol inhibits pancreatic cancer cell proliferation through transcriptional induction of macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1.

Introduction: Resveratrol is a phenolic compound found in grape skins, mulberries, and certain nuts that has been shown to have antitumorigenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Macrophage inhibitory cytokine (MIC-1) is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily that has been shown to have antitumorigenic activity and is up-regulated in resveratrol-treated cancer cells. Resveratrol inhibits proliferation of human pancreatic cancer cells; however, the exact mechanism of action is not known.

Apigenin inhibits pancreatic cancer cell proliferation through G2/M cell cycle arrest.

Background: Many chemotherapeutic agents have been used to treat pancreatic cancer without success. Apigenin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, has been shown to inhibit growth in some cancer cell lines but has not been studied in pancreatic cancer. We hypothesized that apigenin would inhibit pancreatic cancer cell growth in vitro.