Angiogenesis is a multi-stage process of new vessel development which involves migration, proliferation and differentiation of endothelial cells. Pathological angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the pathomechanism of various ischemic, malignant and inflammatory disorders. Among eye diseases, macular degeneration (AMD) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy are a major public health issue as the most common causes of blindness. Since angiogenesis plays a crucial role in these conditions, there has been an increased interest in evaluating anti-angiogenic agents in their treatment. The polyphenol resveratrol found in the skin of red grapes, red wine, peanuts and other natural sources, controls proliferation of the cells, induces differentiation and induces apoptosis in various malignant cell lines. Modulation of angiogenesis by this compound has been considered as a very exciting topic and subject of further investigations. The aim of our study was in vitro assessment of resveratrol’s influence on proliferation, migration and invasion of an immortalized murine endothelial cell line from peripheral lymph node HEC clone a10. Resveratrol was shown to inhibit the proliferation of the endothelial cells in MTT (at 1, 10 and 50 µM) and AlamarBlue (at 50 µM) assays, and at a concentration of 50 µM significantly inhibited migration of endothelial cells. A concentration-dependent decrease in invasion potential of endothelial cells incubated with resveratrol 10 µM and 50 µM was detected. These promising in vitro results might encourage investigators to test efficacy and safety of resveratrol more extensively in the clinical practice, as a natural and safe anti-angiogenic agent.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy are the leading cause of blindness in developed countries. Pathological angiogenesis has a causal role in these eye diseases. Resveratrol (RSV), a plant-derived polyphenol, has anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic properties that could improve its management. Here, the effects of various concentrations of RSV (1, 5, 10, 50, 100 µM) were compared in two types of cell lines: HECa10 (endothelial cell line) and ARPE-19 (retinal pigment epithelial cell line). We assayed the impact on proliferation rate, viability, cell cycle progression, and secretion of selected proangiogenic factors VEGF and bFGF. We show that lower concentrations of RSV (1, 5, 10 µM) had no effect on proliferation, viability or cell cycle progression in HECa10 cells. However, higher concentrations (50, 100 µM) significantly enhanced the reduction in the cell number and stimulated apoptosis. In ARPE-19 cells, lower concentrations of RSV increased the rate of proliferation, while higher concentrations had no effect on proliferation and viability. Both ARPE-19 and HECa10 cell lines were affected to different degrees in the secretion of proangiogenic cytokines: reducing VEGF and enhancing bFGF secretion. These results suggest that RSV may be useful in the prevention or treatment of pathological angiogenesis in eye disorders.