Resveratrol induces apoptosis in K562 cells via the regulation of mitochondrial signaling pathways.

Resveratrol, an edible polyphenolic phytoalexin obtained primarily from root extracts of the oriental plant, Polygonum cuspidatum and from grapes and red wine, has been reported as an anticancer compound against several types of cancer, the accurate molecular mechanisms of by which it induces apoptosis are limited. In the present study, the molecular mechanisms of resveratrol on human leukemia K562 cells apoptosis was examined. Our results showed that resveratrol significantly decreased cell viability and triggered cell apoptosis in K562 cells.