A study by Chinese scientists has shown that resveratrol, a natural compound found in grapes, berries and peanuts, may protect us from the effects of sunstroke and improve liver health.
Researchers conducted experiments on mice and liver cells exposed to high temperatures, and studied the effect of resveratrol on the processes that occur during high temperatures. It was found that pre-treatment with this substance helped maintain normal body temperature, reduced liver damage, and improved its functions.
The researchers discovered that the protective effect is linked to the inhibition of the HSF1 protein, which activates pathological processes in liver cells during high temperatures. When scientists artificially increased HSF1 activity, the severity of liver cell damage increased. In contrast, inhibiting or disabling it led to a reduction in inflammation, lipid metabolism disorders, and necrotic cell death. A similar effect was observed with the use of resveratrol.
The researchers noted that their findings are based on experiments conducted on cells and laboratory mice, but they may help in the future to develop new methods to protect the body at extremely high temperatures and improve liver health.
A study published in the journal Nutrients also showed that the compound resveratrol, found in blueberries and dark grapes, is associated with improved cardiovascular health.
