Resveratrol induces cervical cancer HeLa cell apoptosis through the activation and nuclear translocation promotion of FOXO3a

Resveratrol (trans-3,4'V,5-trihydroxystilbene) presents antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective functions in addition to its anticancer potential. In this study, we explored how resveratrol, as an anticancer agent, effectively influences cervical cancer HeLa cells. Our data showed that resveratrol could significantly inhibit HeLa cell proliferation and induce their apoptosis, as measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay and flow cytometry. The immunofluorescence staining results in the present study suggested that resveratrol could facilitate FOXO3a nuclear translocation. We then focused on the mechanism of resveratrol in promoting HeLa cell apoptosis. The following experiments suggested that the possible initial mechanism involves the upregulation Forkhead box O (FOXO) 3a expression, which further increases the expression of Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death (BIM), the gene transcribed in apoptosis. Resveratrol could also inactivate the basal extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity, causing FOXO3a activation and resulting in HeLa cell apoptosis. In summary, both mechanisms stimulated the accumulation of activated FOXO3a, promoted its nuclear translocation, and ultimately caused HeLa cell apoptosis. Thus, resveratrol may have a potential in the treatment of cervical cancer.