Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a proinflammatory
cytokine produced, although not exclusively, by T helper 17 recently identified as a distinct T helper lineage mediating tissue
inflammation.
IL-17 is known to be involved in a number of chronic disorders although the mechanisms regulating its production in inflammatory disease are still unclear. The beneficial properties of the polyphenolic compound
resveratrol including its anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant, and antitumor effects, its role in the aging process and in the prevention of heart and
neurodegenerative diseases are well-known. In addition, derivatives of
resveratrol, including glucosylated molecules as
polydatin have been linked to similar beneficial effects. We have investigated the effects of
resveratrol and
polydatin on the in vitro production of
IL-17 in a model of
inflammation in vitro. The results obtained by activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, stimulated with anti-CD3/anti-CD28
monoclonal antibodies and treated with these polyphenolic compounds at different concentrations show that both decrease
IL-17 production in a concentration-dependent manner. This study confirms the anti-inflammatory activity of
resveratrol and its derivatives and suggests a potential clinical relevance in the
therapy of inflammatory diseases.