Destruction of the cellular antioxidant pool contributes to resveratrol‐induced senescence and apoptosis in lung cancer

Abstract Resveratrol (RES) has various pharmacological bioactivities and its anticancer effects in lung cancer have been proven. However, the underlying mechanisms of action of RES in lung cancer remain unclear. This study focused on Nrf2‐mediated antioxidant systems in RES‐treated lung cancer cells. A549 and H1299 cells were treated with various concentrations of RES at different times. RES decreased cell viability, inhibited cell proliferation, and increased the number of senescent and apoptotic cells in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. Moreover, RES‐induced lung cancer cell arrest at the G1 phase was accompanied by changes in apoptotic proteins (Bax, Bcl‐2, and cleaved caspase 3). Furthermore, RES induced a senescent phenotype along with changes in senescence‐related markers (senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity, p21, and p‐γH2AX). More importantly, with prolonged exposure time and increased exposure concentration, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) continuously accumulated, resulting in a decrease in Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant response elements, including CAT, HO‐1, NQO1, and SOD1. Meanwhile, RES‐induced ROS accumulation and cell apoptosis were reversed by N‐acetyl‐ l ‐cysteine treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that RES disturb lung cancer cellular homeostasis by destroying the intracellular antioxidant pool to increase ROS production. Our findings provide a new perspective on RES intervention in lung cancer.