Resveratrol modulates signalling to inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation induced by angiotensin II and high glucose

Abstract Objectives The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by hyperglycemia plays a pivotal role in the development of atherosclerosis and restenosis. This study aims to examine the impact of angiotensin II (Ang II) and high glucose on VSMC proliferation and the phosphorylation status of key signalling proteins, specifically ERK1/2, Akt, and STAT3. Furthermore, we assess the inhibitory effects of resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound, on these signalling pathways. Methods Primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) isolated from rat aortas were cultured in both standard media (SM: 5.5 mM) and high glucose media (HGM: 25 mM) and then treated with Ang II (100 nM). Proliferation was assessed using the WST-1 assay, and protein analysis was performed through immunoblotting. Results Ang II increased VSMC proliferation by 39 % in standard glucose environments and 17 % in high glucose environments. Resveratrol effectively suppressed Ang II-induced VSMC proliferation in both media. Furthermore, resveratrol inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt. Ang II also induced STAT3 phosphorylation by 29 and 18.5 % in SM and HGM, respectively. However, resveratrol treatment reduced STAT3 phosphorylation to control levels. Conclusions These findings demonstrated that resveratrol reduces VSMC proliferation induced by Ang II and high glucose conditions, exerting its inhibitory effects by suppressing ERK1/2, Akt, and STAT3 phosphorylation. These results provide valuable insights into the cardioprotective properties of resveratrol.