ABSTRACT
Resveratrol’s effect on cerebral blood flow, cell death, and inflammatory processes can contribute therapeutic actions in either acute or chronic neurodegenerative conditions. Resveratrol exists as cis and trans isomers, both of which are found in wine, although only the trans isomer is found in grapes. The theory proposed to explain resveratrol’s bioactivity is mainly based on its direct antioxidant capability. The ability of resveratrol to inhibit platelet aggregation could be linked to its ability to inhibit eicosanoid synthesis. Regulation of genes by resveratrol could present a new understanding of the “potential” prophylactic use of resveratrol against either acute or chronic neurologic disorders. Activation of antioxidant pathways is particularly important as cytoprotection for tissue with relatively weak endogenous antioxidant defenses, such as the heart and the brain. Bilirubin (BR) is better known in the central nervous system for its toxicity at high micromolar concentrations in neonates; however, under physiologic concentration, BR could be a significant endogenous antioxidant.
