3,3′,4,5,5′-pentahydroxy-trans-stilbene, a resveratrol derivative, induces apoptosis in colorectal carcinoma cells via oxidative stress

Resveratrol exhibits anti-tumor properties against different types of cancer. In this study, several polyhydroxylated resveratrol derivatives were prepared with the aim of discovering new leading compounds with clinical potential for human colon cancer chemotherapy. Among these compounds, 3,3′,4,5,5′-pentahydroxy-trans-stilbene (PHS) displayed the most potent cytotoxicity and triggered apoptosis in HT-29 cells as evidenced by increased poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, elevated levels of cytoplasmic nucleosomes and DNA fragmentation. Further mechanistic analysis revealed that PHS-induced apoptosis was caspase-dependent and mediated by its pro-oxidative action through up-regulation of reactive oxidative species generation and depletion of intracellular glutathione.