Trans-resveratrol reduced hepatic oxidative stress in an animal model without inducing an upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2.

Trans-resveratrol, a widely used supplement for humans, aims to enhance the body's antioxidant defense. Studies suggest that it exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). In order to evaluate this hypothesis, LDLr(-/-) mice were fed a Western diet to induce liver inflammation and oxidative stress. One group was fed a diet containing 0.60 mg/day of trans-resveratrol (RESV), while another group received no dietary supplementation (CONT). Oxidative stress biomarkers and inflammatory cytokines were assessed in liver homogenates. It was observed that trans-resveratrol decreased hepatic oxidative stress by increasing the GSH/GSSG ratio and reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. However, the RESV group exhibited a reduction in Nrf2 relative expression compared to CONT. Additionally, trans-resveratrol supplementation reduced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression but led to an increase in IL-6, with no significant changes observed in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentrations. Overall, these findings indicate that the in vivo antioxidant impact induced by trans-resveratrol supplementation in hepatic tissue did not correlate with increase of inflammatory cytokines and Nrf2 relative expression. Further exploration of alternative mechanisms, such as direct radical scavenger activity, is warranted to elucidate the antioxidant effect.