The role of autophagy in U87 cell death induced by resveratrol

Objective To study the effect of resveratrol (Res) on the expression of autophagy related gene in U87 glioma cell line.Methods U87 cells were treated with different concentrations of Res (0,12.5,25.0,50.0,100.0,150.0,and 200.0 μmol/L).Cell growth inhibiotin was detected by typan blue exclusion assay.The mRNA expression level of autophagy related genes microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC-3),Beclin-1 and VPS34 was examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR),and the protein expression level of them by Western blotting.Results The cell number in the control group was in a upward trend,but that in the experimental group was decreased significantly.There was increasement of mRNA expression of autophagy related genes LC-3,Beclin-1 and VPS34.The expression of LC-3 gene was increased to 1.71 ±0.28,2.65 ±0.54 and 3.03 ±0.61 fold respectively.The expression of Beclin-1 gene was increased to 1.96 ± 0.07,3.22 ± 0.19 and 6.15 ± 0.10 respectively.And the expression of VPS34 gene was increased to 2.14 ± 0.23,4.13 ± 0.27 and 6.21 ± 0.45 respectively.Western blotting showed that the protein expression of these genes was also increased.Conclusion Res can inhibit the growth of U87 cells.Autophagy is involved in Res-induced U87 cell death.The up-expression of autophagy related genes LC-3,Beclin-1 and VPS34 may mediate this process. Key words: Resveratrol ;  Glioma;  Autophagy