Resveratrol Attenuates Gemcitabine Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Inhibiting Thymidylate Synthase.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Gemcitabine (Gem) is a commonly used drug against HCC, but its efficacy is limited by the development of resistance. Resveratrol (Res), a natural polyphenol with antitumor activity, may reverse Gem resistance in HCC, although the mechanism remains unclear. METHODS: The effects of Res on the proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and invasion of Hep3B and HuH-7 cells were assessed via cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), clonogenic, flow cytometry, and Transwell assays, respectively. Potential Res targets were predicted by network pharmacology, and markers of HCC prognosis were identified from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) data. The interaction between Res and thymidylate synthase (TYMS) was validated by molecular docking and dynamics simulation. A Gem-resistant HuH-7 cell line (HuH-7/GR) was established, and when these cells were treated with Res combined with Gem, the effect on Gem sensitivity was detected by CCK-8 assay, clonogenic assay, and flow cytometry. Finally, a subcutaneous nude mouse model of HCC was used to evaluate the in vivo effects of Res combined with Gem. RESULTS: Res inhibited HCC cell proliferation, induced apoptosis and G2/M arrest, and suppressed invasion in a concentration-dependent manner. Network pharmacology and TCGA analysis identified TYMS as an important target gene for Res. TYMS was highly expressed in HCC tissues and correlated with poor prognosis. Res treatment reduced TYMS expression, while molecular docking and simulation showed stable binding of Res to TYMS. TYMS levels were elevated in HuH-7/GR resistant cells. Res combined with Gem was found to reverse drug resistance, inhibit proliferation and colony formation, and induce apoptosis. The Res + Gem combination group showed the smallest tumor volume in the in vivo model. CONCLUSION: By attenuating Gem resistance through TYMS inhibition, Res holds promise as a clinically viable adjunct to Gem-based chemotherapy, offering a potential strategy to improve outcomes in HCC patients.