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The Influence of Nicotinamide on Health and Disease in the Central Nervous System

Fricker, R; Green, E; Jenkins, S; Griffin, S

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Authors

R Fricker

E Green

S Griffin



Abstract

Nicotinamide, the amide form of vitamin B3 (niacin), has long been associated with neuronal development, survival, and function in the central nervous system (CNS), being implicated in both neuronal death and neuroprotection. Here, we summarise a body of research investigating the role of nicotinamide in neuronal health within the CNS, with a focus on studies that have shown a neuroprotective effect. Nicotinamide appears to play a role in protecting neurons from traumatic injury, ischaemia, and stroke, as well as being implicated in 3 key neurodegenerative conditions: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. A key factor is the bioavailability of nicotinamide, with low concentrations leading to neurological deficits and dementia and high levels potentially causing neurotoxicity. Finally, nicotinamide’s potential mechanisms of action are discussed, including the general maintenance of cellular energy levels and the more specific inhibition of molecules such as the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent deacetylase, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1).

Acceptance Date Oct 29, 2017
Publication Date May 21, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal International Journal of Tryptophan Research
Publisher Libertas Academica
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/1178646918776658
Keywords Nicotinamide, vitamin B3, neuronal death, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, mitochondria, neurodegeneration, neuroprotection, niacin
Publisher URL https://doi.org/10.1177/1178646918776658

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