Can resveratrol modulate sirtuins in obesity and related diseases? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Purpose: Human sirtuins can be a powerful therapeutic target in preventing and treating obesity and age-related diseases. Some dietary components can modulate sirtuins' activity, such as resveratrol. This systematic review aimed to assess whether resveratrol (RSV), without other interventions, can stimulate sirtuins in the treatment of excess weight and its comorbidities.

Methods: MEDLINE/Pubmed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were used for search eligible articles. Randomized clinical trials assessing RSV supplementation on changes in the sirtuins' gene expression/protein levels was the primary outcome. Other possible changes in cardiometabolic markers were considered the second outcome. Following PRISMA guidelines and using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, two reviewers independently and in parallel screened, assessed the studies' quality, and compiled data. Disagreements were resolved by consensus or consulting a third author.

Results: This review included seven randomized control trials. Four articles demonstrated a significant increase in SIRT-1 with different RSV dosages and interventions time. The secondary outcomes showed improvements in insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, metabolic flexibility, total antioxidant capacity, energy expenditure changes, and reduction of ectopic accumulation of fat.

Conclusion: Data from RCTs studies showed that RSV supplementation could stimulate SIRT-1 in humans, and therefore contribute to the treatment of excess weight and its comorbidities. However, more research is needed because it was not possible to confirm this effect truly. [PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020205571].