Abstract:Objective : To observe the effect of resveratrol (Res) on in vitro proliferation and apoptosis of TNF-α induced rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA FLS), and further to investigate the PI3K/Akt/BAD signal mechanism. Method : The inhibition rate of RA FLS was examined by MTT assay. Cell cycle and the amount of apoptotic cells was measured by flow cytometry. PI3K/Akt/BAD signal transduction proteins expression was measured by western blot. Result : The living cells measured by MTT dose and time-dependently reduced in Res groups. In Res groups, the fraction of living cells in the S-phase and G2/M-phase decreased respectively, while that in G1-phase increased, the difference was statistically significant compared with the TNF-α group (P<0.05). Flow cytometry demonstrated that the apoptosis rate increased with increased Res concentration. Res inhibited TNF-α induced phosphorylation of Akt and BAD in RA FLS. Conclusion : Res can inhibit RA FLS proliferation and induce apoptosis through inhibition of PI3K/Akt/BAD signalling pathway. Res may provide a new therapeutic approach in treatment of RA.