Elucidating the therapeutic mechanisms of resveratrol in benign prostatic hyperplasia via an integrated strategy of network pharmacology, multi-omics and molecular biology.

BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent age-associated urological disorder marked by excessive proliferation of epithelial and stromal cells within the prostate. Resveratrol (Res), a naturally occurring polyphenol, has shown potential in treating various inflammatory and hyperproliferative disorders, yet its pharmacological mechanisms in BPH remain unclear.

PURPOSE: This study sought to comprehensively identify the therapeutic targets and signaling pathways underlying the protective effects of Res against BPH by combining network pharmacology, multi-omics analyses, molecular dynamics (MD), and experimental validation.

METHODS

We developed an integrative strategy that incorporates network pharmacology, single-cell and bulk transcriptomic data analysis, molecular docking, MD simulation, and experimental validation. Candidate targets of resveratrol associated with BPH were systematically identified and subjected to enrichment analysis for relevant biological processes and signaling pathways. Key targets were further validated at the protein level, and the involvement of critical signaling cascades was experimentally confirmed.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology identified 228 intersecting targets of Res and BPH, from which three core genes (TGF-β1, IGF1, and ITGA4) were further pinpointed through transcriptomic integration. Single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrated marked upregulation of these targets in hyperplastic prostate tissues. Molecular docking and MD simulations demonstrated strong binding affinities and stable interactions between Res and the core proteins. Functional enrichment analysis identified the PI3K/AKT signaling cascade as a principal pathway influenced by Res. Subsequent in vitro assays using prostate cells confirmed that Res markedly suppressed cell proliferation, enhanced apoptotic activity, alleviated oxidative stress, and downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Notably, Res significantly attenuated PI3K and AKT phosphorylation, supporting its inhibitory effect on this pathway as a key component of its therapeutic action.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that Res protects against BPH by modulating multiple targets and signaling pathways, particularly through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT axis. These findings offer mechanistic evidence for the multi-target actions of Res and underscore its potential as a phytotherapeutic candidate for BPH management.