Resveratrol and its oligomers: modulation of sphingolipid metabolism and signaling in disease

Resveratrol, a natural compound endowed with multiple health-promoting effects, has received much attention given its potential for the treatment of cardiovascular, inflammatory, neurodegenerative, metabolic and age-related diseases. However, the translational potential of resveratrol has been limited by its specificity, poor bioavailability and uncertain toxicity. In recent years, there has been an accumulation of evidence demonstrating that resveratrol modulates sphingolipid metabolism. Moreover, resveratrol forms higher order oligomers that exhibit better selectivity and potency in modulating sphingolipid metabolism. This review evaluates the evidence supporting the modulation of sphingolipid metabolism and signaling as a mechanism of action underlying the therapeutic efficacy of resveratrol and oligomers in diseases, such as cancer.